Emily Dickinson

A Poor Torn Heart a Tattered Heart

poem 78

A Poor Torn Heart a Tattered Heart - context Summary

Composed 1859, Published 1891

Written in 1859 and published posthumously in 1891 in Poems by Emily Dickinson, Second Series, this short lyric reflects Dickinson’arving of spiritual experience into domestic imagery. It frames a "poor torn" heart that, exhausted and unaware of evening, is noticed by angels and borne to God. The poem belongs to Dickinson’roader preoccupation with inwardness, salvation, and the interplay of ordinary vulnerability and transcendent care. Knowing its date and later publication helps readers place it in her mid‑19th‑century, private poetic practice and in the later editorial shaping of her work.

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A poor torn heart a tattered heart That sat it down to rest Nor noticed that the Ebbing Day Flowed silver to the West Nor noticed Night did soft descend Nor Constellation burn Intent upon the vision Of latitudes unknown. The angels happening that way This dusty heart espied Tenderly took it up from toil And carried it to God There sandals for the Barefoot There gathered from the gales Do the blue havens by the hand Lead the wandering Sails.

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