Calling on Emily; Amherst, Massachusetts

October 5, 1981

Her street, her house, Her curtain stirs! Is it wind's touch? Is it hers? To knock or call Or throw a Pebble? How dare one rouse An impish rebel? Maybe a whistle, Maybe a word, Some minor startle Like a bird? Lace quiet hangs Starched, unmussed And silence settles Like velvet dust.