236(s) by Emily Dickinson

 

Here are two different versions of 236. How do the changes affect the meaning of the poem?

236

Some - keep the Sabbath - going to church -

I - keep it - staying at Home -

With a Bobolink - for a Chorister

And an Orchard - for a Dome -

Some - keep the Sabbath, in Surplice -

I - just wear my wings -

And instead of tolling the bell, for church -

Our little Sexton - sings -

"God" - preaches - a noted Clergyman -

And the sermon is never long,

So - instead of getting to Heaven - at last -

I'm - going - all along!

[B, 1861, Fascicle 9]

 236

Some keep the Sabbath going to Church -

I keep it, staying at Home -

With a Bobolink for a Chorister -

And an Orchard, for a Dome -

Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice -

I, just wear my Wings -

And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church

Our little Sexton - sings.

God preaches, a noted Clergyman -

And the sermon is never long,

So intead of getting to Heaven, at last -

I'm going, all along

[C, 1862, sent to Higginson]