Tell all the Truth but tell it slant —

Success in Circuit lies

Too bright for our infirm Delight

The Truth's superb surprise

As Lightning to the Children eased

With explanation kind

The Truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind —

Confession – I didn’t organise a poem early enough so I had to use an out of copyright one. However I do really love this poem. I quote it in the preface of my manuscript and if you have a look on Harvey Molloy’s blog today there is a poem by me that is, in some ways, a response to this poem (well you could say that about my whole manuscript really!). Dickinson is so spare and precise and yet manages to capture the big human issues while rhyming and not sounding like a Hallmark card. Big ups Emily.

 Go here for more Tuesday Poems.