Poet's Corner: I dwell in Possibility by Emily Dickinson

I don't know why I couldn't decide what to post today. I must've changed my mind a dozen times since I woke up. Spring is springing here and I'm feeling a bit muddled in the sinuses. But Emily Dickinson is always good. I have seen this poem numbered different ways so I will just title it by the first line. I read an essay about her which talked about the way in which she wrote and 'published,' in letters, on back of envelopes and scraps of paper, handed round gatherings with coffee stains or food stains on the 'manuscript.' It was interesting to think about, this sort of informal, homely spreading/sharing/exchanging.

I dwell in Possibility - by Emily Dickinson


I dwell in Possibility –
A fairer House than Prose –
More numerous of Windows –
Superior – for Doors –

Of Chambers as the Cedars –
Impregnable of eye –
And for an everlasting Roof
The Gambrels of the Sky –

Of Visitors – the fairest –
For Occupation – This –
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise –