Short Poems

The Dromedary is a cheerful bird:
I cannot say the same about the Kurd.

The dragonfly
can't quite land
on that blade of grass.


Translated by Robert Hass

That's no doorstep.
its a pillar on the side.

Yes
thats what it is.

The truth I do not stretch or shove
When I state that the dog is full of love.
I've also found, by actual test,
A wet dog is the lovingest.

Hawaii's King resigned his breath
Our Legislature guffawed.
The awful dignity of death
Not any single rough awed.
But when our Legislators die
All Kings, Queens, Jacks and Aces cry.

I went into the deserts of dim sleep--
That world which, like an unknown wilderness,
Bounds this with its recesses wide and deep--

The death knell is ringing
The raven is singing
The earth worm is creeping
The mourners are weeping
Ding dong, bell--

With care, and skill, and cunning art
She parried Time's malicious dart,
And kept the years at bay,
Till passion entered in her heart
And aged her in a day!

988

The Definition of Beauty is
That Definition is none—
Of Heaven, easing Analysis,
Since Heaven and He are one.

Why are taste and genius so seldom met with united?
Taste of strength is afraid,--genius despises the rein.