Emily on Love

~
Love is the anterior to life,
Posterior to death,
Initial of creation, and
The exponent of breath.
~

~
I gave myself to him,
and took himself for pay.
The solemn contract of a life
Was ratified this way....

At least 'tis mutual risk,-
Some found it mutual gain;
Sweet debt of life,- Each night to owe,
Insolvent every noon.
~

Emily Dickinson