Poems by Emily Dickinson, Three Series, CompleteDickinson, Emily
poetry · Item 321
A reason to turn the page
A door opens to warmth for an instant—then shuts, and that flash makes the loss sting more.
Discovery 11 of 15XXVIII.
CONTRAST.
A door just opened on a street -- I, lost, was passing by -- An instant's width of warmth disclosed, And wealth, and company.
The door as sudden shut, and I, I, lost, was passing by, -- Lost doubly, but by contrast most, Enlightening misery.