supple of body
nimble of mind
often gripped by wild fancies

stiff in body
subtle in mind
but deceptively simple

glitters like fools' gold
has too much gloss
and yet often too little depth

quiet like a deep pool
inscrutable like an oracle
not given to being a spectacle

these are the dichotomies
we all must negotiate
as we traverse the world

in search of the jewel we never find
one so rare and refined; thus say i,
stay a little longer where you are

you might then get to know
that though wrinkled, hoarse and grey
i'm your mirror in many ways