A Certain Slant of Light

With the advent of  Dayights Saving Time—which I am totally in favor of, NOT the things that happens in the fall that throw us into the depths of premature afternoon darkness—there has been an attitude adjustment. Call it a sign of hope.

I felt it yesterday when I was out walking at 3 pm and the sun was blazing down and the other walkers all had coffee and smiles on their faces too. Yes, it was cold and there was snow on the ground and several inches more in the shadows, but there was a fresh step in their walk. All of us felt it. Spring was coming.

A certain slant of light.

There's a certain Slant of light, (320)

BY EMILY DICKINSON

There's a certain Slant of light,

Winter Afternoons –

Yes, Emily, you saw it too! The way the light and shadows mix and send us forth, to smell the awakened ground, the wind in the trees, the birds suddenly more active. They chatter in the treetops.

None may teach it – Any –

'Tis the seal Despair –

An imperial affliction

Sent us of the Air –

Those of us out there, man and animal, stood as if transcended, listened and breathed deep.

When it comes, the Landscape listens –

Shadows – hold their breath –

There is hope out there. Hang on.