The props assist the house

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

Until the house is built,

And then the props withdraw—

And adequate, erect,

The house supports itself;

Ceasing to recollect

The auger and the carpenter.

Just such a retrospect

Hath the perfected life,

A past of plank and nail,

And slowness,—then the scaffolds drop—

Affirming it a soul.

#emily dickinson #impermanence #personal growth #self reliance

4 likes

Related poems →

More by Emily Dickinson

Read "The props assist the house" 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.