Today we are plagiarising in the name of art.
There is no Frigate, says Emily Dickinson, that is
In any way like a Book, which is not really
Especially surprising, given that books, as a rule,
Do not float. Nor can books drive or fly
To take us Lands away, although they can
Without any doubt charge the imagination and
Send our thoughts journeying to unseen places
And allow us to live but not live in unknown time.
Emily also suggests that horses cannot match the
Ability of poetry to demonstrate dressage, or I
Think that is perhaps what she must mean when she says
Nor any Coursers like a
Page Of prancing Poetry, although I have to confess
That whilst I do think that poetry is amazing in
What it can do, it does not actually grow legs
And prance in any way, shape or form, unless of
Course, again, it is the imagination that is meant, and
Then that can out prance any horse I've ever seen
As the power of language is greater than force of
Arm or foot, and with language on our tongues then
This Traverse may the poorest take
Anywhere they want to go, at any time, and for as
Long as they may possibly desire, allowing for the
Usual exigencies and cares of every day,
Without oppress of Toll, although why it may
Be felt essential by Miss Dickinson that any such traveller
Should plan their imaginary excursions via
A toll bridge or tunnel, regardless of convenience, but
How frugal, which oddly implies that some cost could be
Involved, and surely imaginary is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul?
© 2ndwitch, 05/04/15
(Based around the poem 'There is no Frigate like a Book' by Emily Dickinson.)
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