Jul
27
2009
splash
the illusion is that you are simply
reading this poem.
the reality is that this is
more than a
poem.
this is a beggar’s knife.
this is a tulip.
this is a soldier marching
through Madrid.
this is you on your
death bed.
this [...]
Jul
9
2009
petals
The apparition of these faces in the crowd;
Petals on a wet, black bough.
Ezra Pound
Jul
7
2009
kuan yun she
Seventh Day Seventh Month
Tangle together like painted
Clouds on a screen, then,
Thighs enlaced, heads together
On the pillow we sing softly
To the full moon and watch time pass.
The declining moon marks the hours.
Suddenly we are seized by grief and fear.
Three o’clock in the morning
Has gone by but we cannot
[...]
Jun
25
2009
language
Language
When a man is in love
how can he use old words?
Should a woman
desiring her lover
lie down with
grammarians and linguists?
I said nothing
to the woman I loved
but gathered
love’s adjectives into a suitcase
and fled from all languages.
…Nizar Qabbani
May
27
2009
when i am an old woman
When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple
with a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
and satin slippers, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I [...]
May
21
2009
look to this day
Look to this day
for it is life
the very life of life.
In its brief course lie all
the realities and truths of existence
the joy of growth
the splendor of action
the glory of power.
For yesterday is but a memory
And tomorrow is only a vision.
But today well lived
makes every yesterday a [...]
May
19
2009
perplexity
Perplexity
I had no wish to be stone-hearted
and drive the dreams from her eyes.
Desire urged me to wake her
but my hand shrank from reaching out to her.
She seemed to find joy in her eyelids
and would not depart from them.
Woe to my heart! How was it not destroyed
by the sight [...]
May
16
2009
kiss the earth
Kiss the Earth
By Thich Nhat Hanh
Walk and touch peace every moment.
Walk and touch happiness every moment.
Each step brings a fresh breeze.
Each step makes a flower bloom.
Kiss the Earth with your feet.
Bring the Earth your love and happiness.
The Earth will be safe
when we feel safe in ourselves.
May
15
2009
thoughts
Thoughts
When all thoughts
Are exhausted
I slip into the woods
And gather
A pile of shepherd’s purse.
Like the little stream
Making its way
Through the mossy crevices
I, too, quietly
Turn clear and transparent.
Zen Master Ryokan
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