I never hear the word “Escape”
Without a quicker blood,
A sudden expectation –
A flying attitude!I never hear of prisons broad
~Emily Dickinson
By soldiers battered down,
But I tug childish at my bars
Only to fail again!
À mes amis français, bonjour et bonne fête nationale!
If you’re unfamiliar with France’s most important national holiday, you can read more about it here. Joyeux quatorze!
Who never lost, are unprepared
A coronet to find;
Who never thirsted, flagons
And cooling tamarind.Who never climbed the weary league—
Can such a foot explore
The purple territories
On Pizarro’s shore?How many legions overcome?
The emperor will say.
How many colors taken
On Revolution Day?How many bullets bearest?
~Emily Dickinson
The royal scar hast thou?
Angels, write “Promoted”
On this soldier’s brow!
Because no revolution comes without a price.
My country need not change her gown,
Her triple suit as sweet
As when ’t was cut at Lexington,
And first pronounced “a fit.”Great Britain disapproves “the stars”; Disparagement discreet,—
~Emily Dickinson
There ’s something in their attitude
That taunts her bayonet.
Happy Independence Day!
The Emily Project 