So Much Joy

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: Psalm 126 CLASSIC POEM: ‘Tis So Much Joy Emily Dickinson ‘Tis so much joy! ‘Tis so much joy! If I should fail, what poverty! And yet, as poor as I, Have ventured all upon a throw! Have gained! Yes! Hesitated so — This side the Victory! Life is but Life! And Death, but Death! Bliss is but Bliss, and Breath but Breath! And if indeed I fail, At least, to know the worst, is sweet! Defeat means nothing but Defeat, No drearier, can befall! And if I gain! Oh Gun at Sea! Oh Bells, that in the Steeples be! At first, repeat it slow! For Heaven is a different thing, Conjectured, and waked sudden in — And might extinguish me! *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Joy Lisell Mueller SNIPPET: “Don’t cry, it’s only music” someone’s voice is saying. “No one you love is dying.” … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]