Did you know that you can sing most Emily Dickinson poem’s to the tune of The Yellow Rose of Texas? It’s true. Give it a try with the poem below.
I’ve never memorized all of this poem, but the first two lines are emblazoned somewhere in my brain. I’ve probably quoted them more than once here. For me, they sum up the whole point of creative writing–or perhaps art in general. Some truths are best approached cautiously–slantwise, you might say. Emily understood.
Tell All the Truth
by Emily Dickinson
Tell all the truth but tell it slant,
Success in circuit lies,
Too bright for our infirm delight
The truth’s superb surprise;
As lightning to the children eased
With explanation kind,
The truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind.
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