105

for many hawks are plunging
upon the summer air,
and still the mice are creeping,
and still the world is fair.
A necessary evil
is portioned to the heart;
we might as well acknowledge
the devil from the start
and know the hasty blossom
as swiftly will decay,
while others flowers are waiting
to grace a forward day.
It is foolish to have wisdom
and folly to be blind;
to see and take and question
must nourish any mind;
reserve a quiet judgement
until the heart is old,
when fewer words are needed
before the tale is told.