How Frugal Is the Chariot that Bears the Human Soul

This little poem of Emily Dickinson has had a big place in my mind since I first read it a couple months ago. I've thought of it every day since then.

     There is no Frigate like a Book
     To take us Lands away
     Nor any Coursers like a Page
     Of Prancing Poetry -
     This Traverse may the poorest take
     Without oppress of Toll -
     How frugal is the Chariot
     That bears the Human Soul -

I have seen, having been both bookseller and teacher for many years, how much a book can mean to a life, particularly the life of a young person.

That talk of “the human soul” brings so much light and mystery and hope. It rarely occurs in financial and material affairs, or in scientific and academic discourse, and is light as a feather.