One for the Grieving

Grief is a Mouse—

And chooses Wainscot in the Breast

For His Shy House—

And baffles quest—

Grief is a Thief—quick startled—

Pricks His Ear—report to hear

Of that Vast Dark—

That swept His Being—back—

Grief is a Juggler—boldest at the Play—

Lest if He flinch—the eye that way

Pounce on His Bruises—One—say—or Three—

Grief is a Gourmand—spare His luxury—

Best Grief is Tongueless—before He’ll tell—

Burn Him in the Public Square—

His Ashes—will

Possibly—if they refuse—How then know—

Since a Rack couldn’t coax a syllable—now

-Emily Dickinson