A.k.a. Poem 1286 or 1263 because of differences in how her poems have been cataloged by editors over time.*
*Click here if you want to learn more about the reasons behind the different numbering…
The two most commonly cited numbering systems for Dickinson’s poems come from:
Ralph W. Franklin’s edition (The Poems of Emily Dickinson: Reading Edition, 1998): This is a more recent and widely used edition that re-edited and re-numbered the poems based on manuscript evidence. In Franklin’s edition, the poem is numbered 1286. Franklin used more detailed manuscript analysis, including paper type, handwriting, and other physical evidence, to create a more accurate chronological order.
Thomas H. Johnson’s edition (The Poems of Emily Dickinson, 1955): This was the first comprehensive scholarly edition and assigned the number 1263 to the poem. Johnson arranged them roughly chronologically based on his interpretation of when they were written.
The brothers’ related banter…
John: Uhm, can I read you a poem?
Hank: Oh yes, of course!
John: Hank, it will surprise and delight you to learn that today’s poem comes from Emily Dickinson.
Hank: Oh.
(Reads poem)
Hank: It was a little, a little love song. That was a — that was a short poem John.
John: Well, I like them short.
Hank: That’s, I apologize for not having anything more intelligent than that to say. Uh, but, but —
John: That’s fine…
Click to read poem
There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away,
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears a Human soul.
John Green Reads Poetry 