The Soul selects her own Society
by Emily Dickinson
The Soul selects her own Society is Emily Dickinson's powerful declaration of the soul's right to choose its own companions and shut out the rest of the world — even emperors. "Then — close the Valves of her attention — / Like Stone —"
The Soul selects her own Society — Then — shuts the Door — To her divine Majority — Present no more — Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing — At her low Gate — Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling Upon her Mat — I've known her — from an ample nation — Choose One — Then — close the Valves of her attention — Like Stone —