E Smith Sleigh

9 LINES for Emily Dickinson E Smith Sleigh

9 LINES for Emily Dickinson First came the book, then came the documentary, now comes the poetry - Emily Dickinson's hidden life addressed. Some old myths are dispelled and new observations pro-offered. Somewhere in these new offerings Emily can be found, persevering as always to her end in Amherst's West Cemetery and beyond. After my mother and grandmother read poetry to me during my early years, my endeavor to understand and write about the work of Emily Dickinson began, in kindergarten. She was my poet hero and, we shared a name. I believe that our Emily was held captive by United States inheritance laws and her profligate brother. She was neither as sensitive or reclusive as she is depicted. Most likely, she faced a life of exaction and sexual coercion for her bisexuality. As Lyndall Gordon* writes, there was a well-worn path between Austin's house, the Homestead and the Evergreens. Hopefully, Emily's life no longer remains an enigma. *Gordon, Lyndall. Lives Like Loaded Guns: Emily Dickinson and Her Family's Feuds. 1st American ed. New York, N. Y.: Viking, 2010. Print."Could I but ride indefinite, As doth the meadow-bee, And visit only where I liked, And no man visit me" -- Emily Dickinson