A short while ago I posted a blog with the title Hope. It included a poem by Emily Dickinson and I mentioned that I would love a book of her poems. It was my birthday shortly after and I couldn’t have been more thrilled than when I opened a present from my daughter and there it was ‘Hope’ The complete poems of Emily Dickinson. I was one very happy mum.
This morning just before taking Jess for a walk around the block, (which here in the Peak District means a 2 1/2 mile walk) I sat and read one of Emily’s poems in the nature section. She seems to have a way of packing so much into just a few short verses, and this one could certainly be discussed at length. It kept my mind occupied as I slightly lazily allowed Jess to pull me along, as she eagerly sniffed her way up the hill.
A SERVICE OF SONG. (By Emily Dickinson) Some Keep the Sabbath going to church I keep it staying at home, With a Bobolink for a chorister, And an orchard for a Dome. Some keep the Sabbath in surplice; I just wear my wings, And instead of tolling the bell for church, Our little sexton sings. God preaches,- a noted clergyman,- and the sermon is never long; So instead of getting to heaven at last, I'm going all along!
I think a bit of Emily’s rebellious nature was coming out in this poem and I loved her wording of the last two lines. Every so often as Jess stopped to sniff another juicy smell, I stopped and breathed in the scent of the surrounding scenery. I’m quite sure that Emily would have thought it to be ‘Heaven on Earth’.
I guess we all have a different idea of what Heaven is. The ‘Lord of the Manor’ thinks its a day spent watching cricket! (well they do say opposites attract) but this certainly does it for me and I feel privileged to be living in such a beautiful place.
As Jess and I meander back down the hill and home, I feel stronger and refreshed from time spent in the country air, accompanied by my own thoughts and maybe a few of Emily’s thrown in for good measure.
Are you a lover of Emily Dickinson? I’m definitely going to be reading through more of her work and may well share some here. I will leave you with one of her quotes as I sit and wonder if she ever walked a dog along a country road on a Sunday morning.
Love Alison x
and Jess x
Through rose tinted glasses. 
This post is lovely. Emily Dickinson is one of my favourite poets, too. In the world in which we find ourselves these days, remembering to take time for the simple pleasures that abound around us, is very important for our souls. Thanks for such a gentle reminder.
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Thankyou Tom, Im looking forward to reading more of her poems as I work my way through the book, and yes I think the simple pleasures are there for the enjoying but are often overlooked.
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What beautiful pastoral vistas, and lovely thoughts as you walk along the path of heaven on earth, which is what I call the area I live in. I am sure Jess was oblivious to your pace and more interested in her own heaven on earth, what a treat for her to have so many interesting walks that must make her as happy as you are.
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I think Jess and the chickens all think they are in heaven Laura. So different from where I have lived for the last 20 years. Its amazing to be able to just walk out your door and be on a walk. I hope I never loose the appreciation of that.
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I enjoyed reading poems in my younger years and it included Emily Dickinson. Thank you for sharing one of her poems! Jess looks tired after that walk ‘around the block’ 🙃
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Jess is loving all the walks round here and is very agile across the styles and up and down the hills. Mind we are both tired after 2/12 miles but its doing us both good.
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You live in paradise for sure, Alison!
Ms. Dickinson lived only about 20 miles from my home and her house is a museum now. Did you see the recent movie about her life? It was interesting, though not a lot of action as you can imagine. 😉
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I had heard of the film Eliza but havent seen it. I will make a point of watching it now. Thanks for the reminder.
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I don’t really know Emily Dickinson, I should look into her poetry. Jess looks a sweetie. X
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She is lovely, cuddly and good company. Emily Dickinson is definitely worth a read if you enjoy poetry.
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I want to get back to reading poetry. I love Thomas Hardy and Seamus Heaney.
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Yes I would like to read some more of their poetry too. I should make it a plan to read a poem every day.
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Great idea. When I finally get my gallery writing room done, I want to leave poetry books available to easily dip into.
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What a beautiful post! Thank you.
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Im so glad you enjoyed it. Hope you are enjoying your summer rest.
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I sure am! Thank you Alison! Peace and blessings to you and your family.
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A beautiful and magical mindful walk, Alison – thank you for letting us tag along! Ahh … what a wonderful gift from your daughter, she knows you well. Emily Dickinson is one of those poets I keep meaning to read but never get round to it. Reading this one here I’m more eager than ever. Now, my birthday is soon so time for some hints, methinks! 😀
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Yes, she does, she is good to her mum. I would definitely give her a read and the book I got is lovely as it puts all the poems into sections.
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Wonderful scenery Alison. It must be pure joy to go for walks. I constantly listen to Emily Dickinson’s poems being read on YouTube and I have a book of her poems.
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Thanks Len, It’s certainly pure joy to walk out of the door and be immediately on a lovely walk. Good to have you back here after your summer break.
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Thanks for taking us along for this beautiful walk. This is a very inspiring post Alison. I love Emily Dickinson and your pictures are stunning. You have a keen eye and your landscape certainly does it for me, too. By the way, I really like the changes that you made to your site. Beautiful!
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I’m going to dip into my book of her poems as much as I can over the next little while and would really like to find out a bit more about her life.
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Good plan Alison!
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