An Emily Dickinson Theory

Because we writers feel so deeply Our hearts can soar to heights of praise, And when we put it on the page The reader knows that we have seen The places he himself has been. But every height must have reverse. Our hearts have known the depth of grief, And, when that feeling we express, It is as lovely as the rest. For the reader knows that someone else Has felt the pain he has himself. Because we know that this is so Our life is lonely, for we know That we must live in solitude, For who could live with someone who Can swing from heights of greatest joy Down to the depth of sorrow's door. Yet through the lonely life we lead, We know for us there is a need. For us that compensation is Just reason for the life we live.