I have never seen “Volcanoes”
I have never seen “Volcanoes” —
But, when Travellers tell
How those old — phlegmatic mountains
Usually so still —
Bear within — appalling Ordnance,
Fire, and smoke, and gun,
Taking Villages for breakfast,
And appalling Men —
If the stillness is Volcanic
In the human face
When upon a pain Titanic
Features keep their place —
If at length the smouldering anguish
Will not overcome —
And the palpitating Vineyard
In the dust, be thrown?
If some loving Antiquary,
On Resumption Morn,
Will not cry with joy “Pompeii”!
To the Hills return!
.
Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886
I have never seen “Volcanoes” (175) is in the public domain
Photo by Alain Bonnardeaux on Unsplash
