These days, it seems like I'm living in a very small way
As if I'm small and quiet
Living in a jar with a loose lid
Protecting me
Keeping out all those things
I can't bear

All I have with me
Are the old favorites
That I know by heart
That are easy to be with
Nothing is getting in
Nothing new

I'm being careful with myself
Like an invalid
Who can’t be fed rich foods
Or a baby who mustn’t be given
Breakable toys

Everything seems to fall to pieces
The essential shape of things, breaking down
In my hands
My mouth
My mind

Details become metaphor
Metaphor become vapor
Clouds of old ideas and truths
Keeping the climate cool
In this protective small space.