This World is not Conclusion

By: Emily Dickinson

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-