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Some topics of conversation were non-existent in Victorian circles. But even when it still is a mystery what exactly Dickinson keeps under wraps, your eyes are opened now for the hints she is communicating. Regardless whether you interprete her message as a request to bar Death’s pen for the tired flocks, or as a welcome ode to metaphorical death. And the first line perhaps even fits in as a figure of speech :
– Let down the Bars, Oh Death : Shake off the restraints, Oh Death
– Let down the Bars, Oh Death : Shut the gate, Oh Death
– – – – – – – – – or
– Let down the Bars, Oh Death : …………………………………………………………………………….
– The tired flocks come in : …………………………………………………………………………….
– Whose … repeat : …………………………………………………………………………….
– Whose wandering is done : ……………………………………………………………………………
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– Thine is the stillest night : …………………………………………………………………………….
– Thine the securest Fold : …………………………………………………………………………….
– Too near … seeking Thee : …………………………………………………………………………….
– Too tender, to be told : …………………………………………………………………………….
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– – – – – — – – – V V
– – – – – Discovery Route back to the paper