Monday, July 27, 2026

1214. RipenessJ - Jane Hirshfield

 Ripeness is

what fails away with ease.

Not only the heavy apple,

the pear, 

but also the dried brown strands

of autumn iris from their core.


To let your body 

love this world

that gave itself to your care

in all its ripeness,,

with ease,

and will take itself from you

in equal ripeness and ease,

is also harvest.


And however sharply

you are tested—

this sorrow, that great love—

it too will leave on that clean knife.

No comments: