Happy Seventh Birthday, Poem of the Month!

Take the used-up heart like a pebble
and throw it far out.

Soon there is nothing left.
Soon the last ripple exhausts itself
in the weeds.

Returning home, slice carrots, onions, celery.
Glaze them in oil before adding
the lentils, water, and herbs.

Then the roasted chestnuts, a little pepper, the salt.
Finish with goat cheese and parsley. Eat.

You may do this, I tell you, it is permitted.
Begin again the story of your life.
Jane Hirshfield from The Lives of the Heart
Copyrighted material; for educational/therapeutic purposes only.

*Da Capo: a musical term which literally means go the beginning and start over.