One Sister Have I in Our House
poem 14
One Sister Have I in Our House - fact Summary
About Susan Gilbert
This poem contrasts two women the speaker calls sisters: one who lives in the same house and another who lives a hedge away, often identified as Susan Gilbert Dickinson, the poet's sister‑in‑law and close companion. It traces shared childhood intimacy, divergent temperaments, and the beloved sister's steady, humming presence that endures through years. The speaker cherishes small domestic images and closes with a personal address naming Sue, affirming lasting attachment.
Read Complete AnalysesOne Sister have I in our house, And one, a hedge away. There’s only one recorded, But both belong to me. One came the road that I came And wore my last year’s gown The other, as a bird her nest, Builded our hearts among. She did not sing as we did It was a different tune Herself to her a music As Bumble bee of June. Today is far from Childhood But up and down the hills I held her hand the tighter Which shortened all the miles And still her hum The years among, Deceives the Butterfly; Still in her Eye The Violets lie Mouldered this many May. I spilt the dew But took the morn I chose this single star From out the wide night’s numbers Sue – forevermore!
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