The bone that has no marrow

by Emily Dickinson · (no date)
Published 01/07/1880

      What ultimate for that?

It is not fit for table,

      For beggar, or for cat.


A bone has obligations,

      A being has the same;

A marrowless assembly

      Is culpabler than shame.


But how shall finished creatures

      A function fresh obtain?—

Old Nicodemus' phantom

      Confronting us again!

#emily dickinson #existentialism #mortality #purpose #spiritual doubt

7 likes

Related poems →

More by Emily Dickinson

Read "The bone that has no marrow" by Emily Dickinson. One of the best and most popular poems on The Poet's Place. Discover more trending, inspiring, and beautiful poetry by Emily Dickinson.