Jordan Stream

There's a certain slant of light,
On winter afternoons,
That oppresses, like the weight
Of cathedral tunes.

Heavenly hurt it gives us;
We can find no scar,
But internal difference
Where the meanings are.

None may teach it anything,
'T is the seal, despair, —
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the air.

When it comes, the landscape listens,
Shadows hold their breath;
When it goes, 't is like the distance
On the look of death.


There's a certain slant of light (XXXI), by Emily Dickinson


Finally got out for a nice walk, heading up Jordan Stream to the cobblestone bridge. The extra is of a nice wreath someone left on the boathouse. 

For some reason I had Star in the East on a loop in my head as I walked.:

     Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
     Vainly with gold we his favor secure.
     Richer by far is the heart’s adoration:
     Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor