Death sets a Thing significant
The Eye had hurried by
Except a perished Creature
Entreat us tenderly
To ponder little Workmanships
In crayon, or in wool,
With “this was last Her fingers did” –
Industrious until –
The thimble weighted too heavy –
The stitches stopped – themselves –
And then t’was put among the Dust
Upon the Closet shelves –
A Book I have – a friend gave –
Whose Pencil – here and there –
Had notched the place that pleased Him
At rest – His fingers are –
Now – when I read – I read not –
For interrupting Tears –
Obliterate the Etchings
Too Costly for Repairs.
— Emily Dickinson (#360)