One Thunderous Alas

A long time back when we were first in love
Our bodies were always as one
Later you became my dearest
And I became your dearest alas
And now my beloved lord
And now you are my husband
I am your wife
Our hearts must be hard as the middle of thunder
Now what have I to live for?

--Indian, translated by J. Moussaieff Masson and W.S. Merwin

One False Word

"Therefore" is a word the poet must not know.

--André Gide

One Heavy Medal

All human beings should have a medal,
A god cannot carry it, he is not able.

--Stevie Smith