Emily

The sins of mortal man disdained the quiet realm of Amherst,
When the Muse, with stubborn dignity penned her universe.
Where coursers like a page issued cross times not comprehended
And sang the souls sweet symphony to hearts left unattended.

Could those who ne'er succeed, and those who love forgoes,
Find comfort in an empty world without her soothing prose?
For life's lament, and failures moan and loves capricious slaughter,
Grew voice and form and dignity from loves neglected daughter.

Imagination builds the ship that plies untainted realms,
And wisdom sheds its worldly cloak when a pure heart overwhelms.
While others were distracted by societies conventions,
In the darkness of her solitude, she witnessed God's intentions.

In undisturbed devotion, in quiet ecstasy,
Those words she mixed like medicine became her legacy.
In that lonely room in that lonely town to pen and paper driven,
I see you now as you were then, as if a chart were given.

Hugh Mitchell