Of Tribulation, these are They,
Denoted by the White —
The Spangled Gowns, a lesser Rank
Of Victors — designate —
All these — did conquer —
But the ones who overcame most times —
Wear nothing commoner than Snow —
No Ornament, but Palms —
Surrender — is a sort unknown —
On this superior soil —
Defeat — an outgrown Anguish —
Remembered, as the Mile
Our panting Ankle barely passed —
When Night devoured the Road —
But we — stood whispering in the House —
And all we said — was “Saved”!
The faith and martyrdom of the present day is much different from the first ages but is still valid (Revelation 3:5; 6:11; 7:9).
Emily Dickinson is famous for her use and description of all things nature. It appears to me that this poem is about snowfall and the triumphant covering of snow… covering the ground and saving the children from school the next day.