A narcissist is someone
better looking than you are.
~ Gore Vidal
AWARE
When I found the door
I found the vine leaves
speaking among themselves in abundant whispers.
My presence made them
hush their green breath,
embarrassed, the way
humans stand up, buttoning their jackets,
acting as if they were leaving anyway, as if
the conversation had ended
just before you arrived.
I liked
the glimpse I had, though,
of their obscure
gestures. I liked the sound
of such private voices. Next time
I'll move like cautious sunlight, open
the door by fractions, eavesdrop
peacefully.
Eavesdrop peacefully: it's what she's given us to do.
— Denise Levertov
from The Great Unknowing: Last Poems
Poetry Garden
