Stone - Charles Simic

[Larry Robinson]

Stone
 
Go inside a stone 
That would be my way.
Let somebody else become a dove
Or gnash with a tiger's tooth.
I am happy to be a stone.
 
From the outside the stone is a riddle:
No one knows how to answer it.
Yet within, it must be cool and quiet
Even though a cow steps on it full weight,
Even though a child throws it in the river;
The stone sinks, slow, unperturbed,
To the river bottom
Where the fishes come to knock on it
And listen.
 
I have seen sparks fly out
When two stones are rubbed,
So perhaps it is not dark inside after all;
Perhaps there is a moon shining 
From somewhere, as though behind a hill -
Just enough light to make out 
The strange writings, the star-charts
On the inner walls.
 
​​​Charles Simic
All the suffering in the world comes from seeking pleasure for oneself. All the happiness in the world comes from seeking happiness for others.
   - Shantideva 
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