Laughter and grief join hands. Always the heart Clumps in the breast with heavy stride; The face grows lined and wrinkled like a chart, The eyes bloodshot with tears and tide. Let the wind blow, for many a man shall die. – Karl Shapiro
Poetry is innocent, not wise. It does not learn from experience, because each poetic experience is unique. – Karl Shapiro
In the tight belly of the dead, Burrow with hungry head, And inlay maggots like a jewel. – Karl Shapiro
But with exquisite breathing you smile, with satisfaction of love, And I touch you again as you tick in the silence and settle in sleep. – Karl Shapiro
To make the child in your own image is a capital crime, for your image is not worth repeating. The child knows this and you know it. Consequently you hate each other. – Karl Shapiro
The doctor punched my vein, the captain called me Cain, upon my belly sat the sow of fear. – Karl Shapiro
Lastly, his tomb shall list and founder in the troughs of grass. And none shall speak his name. – Karl Shapiro
The body, what is it, Father, but a sign To love the force that grows us, to give back What in Thy palm is senselessness and mud? – Karl Shapiro
The good poet sticks to his real loves, those within the realm of possibility. He never tries to hold hands with God or the human race. – Karl Shapiro
