66. “I lived on dread; to those who know.” Part Four: Time and Eternity. Dickinson, Emily. 1924. Complete Poems

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Emily Dickinson (1830–86). Complete Poems. 1924.

Part Four: Time and Eternity

LXVI

I LIVED on dread; to those who know
The stimulus there is
In danger, other impetus
Is numb and vital-less.

As ’t were a spur upon the soul,	5
A fear will urge it where
To go without the spectre’s aid
Were challenging despair.