This is a poem that I came across thanks to a certain YA novel. It’s a poem that I feel I need to keep coming back to; like there’s something more to find each time. So here is “There’s a certain Slant of light” by Emily Dickinson to wind its way through your mind for a few minutes. Can you spot the YA reference, too?
“There’s a certain Slant of light” by Emily Dickinson
There’s a certain slant of light,
On winter afternoons,
That oppresses, like the weight
Of cathedral tunes.
Heavenly hurt it gives us;
We can find no scar,
But internal difference
Where the meanings are.
None may teach it anything,
‘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, ‘t is like the distance
On the look of death.
5 replies on “Poetry Corner: “There’s a certain Slant of light” by Emily Dickinson”
Ooh, The Fault in our Stars! It’s the book in the book.
There’s also a series of 2 YA novels by Laura Whitcomb; the first book is called A Certain Slant of Light.
I’ve been meaning to check out that series – will have to add it to the ever growing to-be-read pile!
Thinking of you … Twilight?
You are wonderful, Freckle :) This isn’t from Twilight, though. The author who references this poem is an award winner!