Nothing New

Classic writing, modern delivery

Emily Dickinson · Poems

Poem 126 of 446 · Second Series: Life

Compensation

— ✻ —

For each ecstatic instant
We must an anguish pay
In keen and quivering ratio
To the ecstasy.

For each beloved hour
Sharp pittances of years,
Bitter contested farthings
And coffers heaped with tears.

Receive Emily Dickinson one poem at a time, on your schedule.
Subscribe →