Everything is too beautiful
to take into my mouth,
to swallow down so I
can keep a taste.
I read my book
and am in Cairo,
seeing the pyramids
through canvas in the dark,
the unearthly glow,
the lamplight.
And hear my music,
its midday,
outside the birds are singing
as though their morning song
were not enough.
And I put down my book,
twirl in blue cotton.
Deep breath, my smile could reach
the moon –
that even, too far away
to gather in.
There is too much
beauty
to read, to hear, feel,
but I swallow fast anyway.
Ana Lisa de Jong
Living Tree Poetry
October 2020
Living Tree Poetry 