Back to Index

I gave myself to him

by Emily Dickinson, 1891

I gave myself to him,
And took himself for pay.
The solemn contract of a life
Was ratified this way.

The wealth might disappoint,
Myself a poorer prove
Than this great purchaser suspect,
The daily own of Love

Depreciate the vision;
But, till the merchant buy,
Still fable, in the isles of spice,
The subtle cargoes lie.

At least, 'tis mutual risk, —
Some found it mutual gain;
Sweet debt of Life, — each night to owe,
Insolvent, every noon.

Published in Poems by Emily Dickinson: Second Series
Tags:

Any corrections or public domain poems I should have here? Email me at poems (at) this domain.