How far is it to Heaven?
As far as Death this way —
Of River or of Ridge beyond
Was no discovery.
How far is it to Hell?
As far as Death this way —
How far left hand the Sepulchre
Defies Topography.
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I went to Heaven —
'Twas a small Town —
Lit — with a Ruby —
Lathed — with Down —
Stiller — than the fields
At the full Dew —
Beautiful — as Pictures —
No Man drew.
People — like the Moth —
Of Mechlin — frames —
Duties — of Gossamer —
And...I've known a Heaven, like a Tent —
To wrap its shining Yards —
Pluck up its stakes, and disappear —
Without the sound of Boards
Or Rip of Nail — Or Carpenter —
But just the miles of Stare —
That signalize a Show's Retreat —
In North America —
No Trace — no Figment of the...Immured in Heaven!
What a Cell!
Let every Bondage be,
Thou sweetest of the Universe,
Like that which ravished thee!Is Heaven a Physician?
They say that He can heal —
But Medicine Posthumous
Is unavailable —
Is Heaven an Exchequer?
They speak of what we owe —
But that negotiation
I'm not a Party to —Lest this be Heaven indeed
An Obstacle is given
That always gauges a Degree
Between Ourself and Heaven.Not One by Heaven defrauded stay —
Although he seem to steal
He restitutes in some sweet way
Secreted in his will —So much of Heaven has gone from Earth
That there must be a Heaven
If only to enclose the Saints
To Affidavit given.
The Missionary to the Mole
Must prove there is a Sky
Location doubtless he would plead
But what excuse have I?
Too much of Proof affronts Belief
...Take your Heaven further on —
This — to Heaven divine Has gone —
Had You earlier blundered in
Possibly, e'en You had seen
An Eternity — put on —
Now — to ring a Door beyond
Is the utmost of Your Hand —
To the Skies — apologize —
Nearer to Your Courtesies
Than this...