THERE'S A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT

1 There's a certain slant of light,
2 On winter afternoons,
3 That oppresses, like the weight
4 Of cathedral tunes.

5 Heavenly hurt it gives us;
6 We can find no scar,
7 But internal difference
8 Where the meanings are.

9 None may teach it anything,
10 'Tis the seal, despair,--
11 An imperial affliction
12 Sent us of the air.

13 When it comes, the landscape listens,
14 Shadows hold their breath;
15 When it goes, 'tis like the distance
16 On the look of death.