Seeing, in Three Pieces


Somehow we must see
through the shimmering cloth
of daily life, its painted,
evasive facings of what to eat,
to wear? Which work
matters? Is a bird more
or less than a man?

               *

There have been people
who helped the world. Named
or not named. They weren't interested
in what might matter,
doubled over as they were
with compassion. Laden
branches, bright rivers.

               *

When a bulb burns out
we just change it--
it's not the bulb we love;
it's the light.




(for Joseph Campbell)




The Poetry of Kate Knapp Johnson
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