I did not know of this poem by Emily Dickinson. While it obviously deserves to be highlighted on The Brolly Blog, what really fascinates me is how just a quick Internet search shows it to be an inspiration for all sorts of things. But first, this short poem, in its entirety:
According to James Guthrie: "Emily Dickinson's poem "The parasol is the umbrellas's daughter" is light and almost trivial at the first reading. However, it presents her sharp wit and writing signature. It gives the reader a glimpse of the relationship between the poet's father, Edward Dickinson, and his daughters, Emily and Lavinia, said to be an accomplished flirt. Descriptions of Edward Dickinson present a portrait that resembles an umbrella, austere and dignified, civic minded thus utilitarian and a subtle tyrant." Well, here is a portrait... does he look like an umbrella? Does anyone look like an umbrella?
In random order, first a quilt of this title done by Michele M. Bilyeu for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. Her take on the poem: ""As I made this art quilt, I thought of my father, who faced and bore the burden of my mother's Alzheimer's with great honor, strength, and courage. I can only hope to borrow and carry those traits now as I continue to care for my mother, and honor my father, by caring for him, as well." and on umbrellas: "For all those whose strength and courage are tested with this challenging disease, and in honor of all of those who both carry, and lend their umbrellas."
The parasol is the umbrella's daughter
The parasol is the umbrella's daughter,
And associates with a fan
While her father abuts the tempest
And abridges the rain.
The former assists a siren
In her serene display;
But her father is borne and honored,
And borrowed to this daFy.
And associates with a fan
While her father abuts the tempest
And abridges the rain.
The former assists a siren
In her serene display;
But her father is borne and honored,
And borrowed to this daFy.
According to James Guthrie: "Emily Dickinson's poem "The parasol is the umbrellas's daughter" is light and almost trivial at the first reading. However, it presents her sharp wit and writing signature. It gives the reader a glimpse of the relationship between the poet's father, Edward Dickinson, and his daughters, Emily and Lavinia, said to be an accomplished flirt. Descriptions of Edward Dickinson present a portrait that resembles an umbrella, austere and dignified, civic minded thus utilitarian and a subtle tyrant." Well, here is a portrait... does he look like an umbrella? Does anyone look like an umbrella?
Second, a fashion statement by Emily Schmemily on Polyvore. Her umbrella: Blue Paper Parasol with Bamboo Handle -- MNInternational
