“Publication---is the Auction/Of the Mind of Man” Didn’t write for money, fame, or publication Only published 7 of nearly 1800 poems while she was alive All anonymously and some against her wishes Most works published posthumously T.W. Higginson and Mabel Loomis Todd

Wrote “letters” to the world that described love, celebrated nature, and personified death Did this insightfully despite being “closed off” from the world for the last 10 years of her life

How did she accomplish such insight? Perspective Lived “outside” of her life like an observer

Her Poetry Traditional and unusual Subjects are mostly the connection between the happenings of everyday life and the world of the spirit (similar to works of older New England writers) Rhythms based upon the rhythms of church hymns Concise, informal, often abrupt Common theme if faith, believing in something/someone you cannot see

“This is My Letter to the World” Letter of introduction to her unknown readers Purpose---to relay the news that “Nature told” Request---to “judge” her “tenderly”