Dickinson, Emily: There's a certain Slant of light (258)

There's a certain Slant of light,

Winter Afternoons --

That oppresses, like the Heft

Of Cathedral Tunes --

Heavenly Hurt, it gives us --

We can find no scar,

But internal difference,

Where the Meanings, are --

None may teach it -- Any --

'Tis the Seal Despair --

An imperial affliction

Sent us of the Air --

When it comes, the Landscape listens --

Shadows -- hold their breath --

When it goes, 'tis like the Distance

On the look of Death –