Is it separation that breaks the heart?
Or selfishness? Wanting to be loved by all?
Isn't that what we want?
It is childish and simple
but that's what it is
I am freed from the pain of separation
By the hawk in flight
The ridge of blue mountains
The peony's smell
People choose
Daily to be more closed more narrow
Curl more tightly into a ball
As if to protect themselves from pain
Tight shut clams
Or choose daily
To be more open
I want to be the open oyster
Bits of sand and debris
Wanting the clams to open
Fall on me
I writhe
But do not close my shell
It's an irritant for now
But I am making pearls
I stay open
You come too