A Robin Redbreast in a Cage

by R.P. Burnham

This World is not Conclusion.

  A Species stands beyond —

  Invisible, as Music —

  But positive, as Sound —

  It beckons, and it baffles —

  Philosophy — don’t know —

  And through a Riddle, at the last —

  Sagacity, must go —

  To guess it, puzzles scholars —

  To gain it, Men have borne

  Contempt of Generations

  And Crucifixion, shown —

  Faith slips — and laughs, and rallies —

  Blushes, if any see —

  Plucks at a twig of Evidence —

  And asks a Vane, the way —

  Much Gesture, from the Pulpit —

  Strong Hallelujahs roll —

  Narcotics cannot still the Tooth

  That nibbles at the soul —

  –Emily Dickinson, (501)

  The Duty of Christian Women