For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her: Issa's Sunday Service, #187

Perhaps one of the finest American pop tunes of the post WWII era, "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" is most certainly one of the great showcases for Art Garfunkel's awesome instrument. The arrangement also contains some of Paul Simon's best guitar work, as evinced here in this live performance. 

The song has often been said to reference Emily Dickinson but, though there is a good chance that that claim is spurious, I am including it on the Sunday Service because it is just too damn beautiful not to. Plus, it's not like Mr. Simon is above referencing the Bard of Amherst (yeah, that's right - Bard).

Listen on Grooveshark 

FOR EMILY, WHENEVER I MAY FIND HER

    What a dream I had
    Pressed in organdy
    Clothed in crinoline
    of smoky burgundy
    Softer than the rain
    I wandered empty streets
    Down past the shop displays
    I heard cathedral bells
    Tripping down the alley ways
    As I walked on
    And when you ran to me
    Your cheeks flushed with the night
    We walked on frosted fields
    Of juniper and lamplight
    I held your hand
    And when I awoke
    and felt you warm and near
    I kissed your honey hair
    with my grateful tears
    Oh, I love you, girl
    Oh, I love you

Paul Simon

back-alley house--
thrust out, swaying
plum in bloom

Issa
translated by David G. Lanoue

best,
Don

PS  Click to learn how to contribute to Wednesday Haiku.