Break the poem into sentences, making sure each separate sentence contains a complete thought.Follow the rules about comma splices and run-ons, adding commas and semi-colons where they are necessary.Number the separate sentences as in the example above.

Emily Dickinson's "The Props assist the House"

The Props assist the House

Until the House is built

And then the Props withdraw

And adequate, erect,

The House support itself

And ceases to recollect

The Augur* and the Carpenter

Just such a retrospect

Hath the perfected Life

A Past of Plank and Nail

And slowness then the scaffolds drop

Affirming it a Soul