Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BALLOON, by EMILY DICKINSON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BALLOON, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: You've seen balloons set, haven't you?
Last Line: 't was only a balloon
Subject(s): Balloons


You've seen Balloons set - Haven't You?
So stately they ascend -
It is as Swans - discarded You,
For Duties Diamond -

Their Liquid Feet go softly out
Upon a Sea of Blonde -
They spurn the Air, as t'were too mean
For Creatures so renowned -

Their Ribbons just beyond the eye -
They struggle - some - for Breath -
And yet the Crowd applaud, below -
They would not encore - Death -

The Gilded Creature strains - and spins -
Trips frantic in a Tree -
Tears open her imperial Veins -
And tumbles in the Sea -

The Crowd - retire with an Oath -
The Dust in Streets - go down -
And Clerks in Counting Rooms
Observe - "'Twas only a Balloon"




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