Where Thou Art–That–Is Home by Gene Fambrough

The title of this work comes from the poem bearing that title by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), one of the towering figures of American literature. I was in the middle of writing another piece for my wife, Anna, and during this process still searching for an appropriate title. By some miraculous intervention, she started posting some of her favorite quotes and sayings around this time on social media, and this came across my screen one day. The meaning in the title is self-evident, and the poem described what I was trying to say perfectly.

Where Thou art — that — is Home
Cashmere — or Calvary — the same —
Degree — or Shame — 
I scarce esteem Location’s Name — 

Where Thou art not — is Woe —
Tho’ Bands of Spices — row —
What Thou dost not — Despair —
Tho’ Gabriel — praise me — Sire —