Vincent Van Gogh
(early May 1883)
Mrs. J. Howard Sweetser
Mrs. J. Howard Sweetser
Dear Nellie.
I have long been a Lunatic on Bulbs, though screened by my friends, as Lunacy on any theme is better undivulged, but Emerson's intimacy with his "Bee" only immortalized him -
They came in happy safety, and rest in their subterranean Home -
"Remembrance faithful to her trust, brings" us "in beauty from the Dust,"
their divine prospective - Smitten by the sweetness, I only can take those
wasted words "Thank you," on my lips.
We shall tenderly think of you in the foreign Home.
Were affection dependent on location, this would be an anonymous World.
The Apple Trees lend Vinnie Blossoms which she lends to me, and I pay no
interest, their rosy Bank in need of none, and the Woods lend Austin
Trilliums, shared in the same way - If you will
lift your little Hands I will surely fill them, though not agree to let them go, but to that,your your Lovers
would not consent -
Your great Neighbor the Ocean, will see you oftener than I, and I am jealous
already of his Morning calls -
Alice's call is still remembered - and a glance from Nettie in Hyacinth time.
Emily, with love -
(Vinnie was Lavinia, Emily's sister and Austin, her brother who after marriage, lived in the house next door to the Dickinsons, named The Evergreens.)
They came in happy safety, and rest in their subterranean Home -
"Remembrance faithful to her trust, brings" us "in beauty from the Dust,"
their divine prospective - Smitten by the sweetness, I only can take those
wasted words "Thank you," on my lips.
We shall tenderly think of you in the foreign Home.
Were affection dependent on location, this would be an anonymous World.
The Apple Trees lend Vinnie Blossoms which she lends to me, and I pay no
interest, their rosy Bank in need of none, and the Woods lend Austin
Trilliums, shared in the same way - If you will
lift your little Hands I will surely fill them, though not agree to let them go, but to that,your your Lovers
would not consent -
Your great Neighbor the Ocean, will see you oftener than I, and I am jealous
already of his Morning calls -
Alice's call is still remembered - and a glance from Nettie in Hyacinth time.
Emily, with love -
(Vinnie was Lavinia, Emily's sister and Austin, her brother who after marriage, lived in the house next door to the Dickinsons, named The Evergreens.)
Even her letters are poetry. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteThis is really lovely.
ReplyDeleteBobbie & Lin,
ReplyDeleteI love Emily's letters. This time of year reminds me that she would be happily tending her garden in Amherst.
Thank you both for stopping by.
Love,
Pagan
It's late, and I'm not going to read Emily tonight -- I'll come back and do that when I'm more focused. But I LOVE the painting, and I don't think I've seen that one before. Thank you for it.
ReplyDelete