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Emily Dickinson's Collected Poems

Part One: Life 29. The nearest dream recedes, unrealized


The nearest dream recedes, unrealized.

The heaven we chase

Like the June bee

Before the school-boy

Invites the race;

Stoops to an easy clover --

Dips -- evades -- teases -- deploys;

Then to the royal clouds

Lifts his light pinnace

Heedless of the boy

Staring, bewildered, at the mocking sky.


Homesick for steadfast honey,

Ah! the bee flies not

That brews that rare variety.