The doctor punched my vein, the captain called me Cain, upon my belly sat the sow of fear. Karl Shapiro Read Quote
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 Read Quote
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 Read Quote
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 Read Quote
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 Read Quote
In the tight belly of the dead, Burrow with hungry head, And inlay maggots like a jewel. Karl Shapiro Read Quote
Poetry is innocent, not wise. It does not learn from experience, because each poetic experience is unique. Karl Shapiro Read Quote
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 Read Quote