The Hole

RICHARD STERN

THE HOLE

After Rilke

So far between stars. Yet so much further

down here.

Look at that old man there . . . that girl in the street.

So far apart.

Life installs distance in us.

Too much? Not enough?

Every Yes.

Every No.

So remote. And the circle won't close.

See that fish on the table,

so still in its dish?

I know fish are dumb. But who knows

if somewhere in silence there isn't a hole

where one can learn Fish.