A hand when offered you in peace
has all the trappings of a lease.
So many paragraphs in place
fine print, well hidden from your face.
You know, of course, that contracts tend
to follow you right to the end.
So, take the hand that's offered you
with caution, as you ought to do.
And when a man applauds your action
it may be nothing but distraction,
so, if he makes you swell with pride
he may intend to skin your hide.
And to avoid the sting of shame
trust only one. He bears your name.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Yep. Those uncodeified subclauses of human relationships are invariably the harshest... 'trust yourself only' is perhaps the sagest advice - but not the most fun to follow! Really enjoyed this piece, with its well-crafted cynicism. t x