For Horses, Horseflies

"We know nothing of the lives of others.
Under the surface, what strange desires,
what rages, weaknesses, fears.

Sometimes it breaks into the daily papers
and we shake our heads in wonder -
"Who would behave in such a way?" we ask.

Unspoken the thought, "Let me not be tested."
Unspoken the thought, "Let me not be known."

Under the surface, something that whispers,
"Anything can be done."

For horses, horseflies.  For humans, shame.

-Jane Hirshfield, from: Given Sugar, Given Salt

-- Modified on 4/18/2008 8:44:18 AM

Is this representative of the other poems in her book? If they are I'm getting it. Thanks!

-- Modified on 4/18/2008 9:26:35 AM

Man plans
God laughs


I can't remember who said it though.

Like two lovers who come together briefly.

The moment two bubbles
are united, they both vanish.
A lotus blooms.

BBxxx