Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AFTER IKKYU: 42 by JAMES HARRISON

Poet Analysis

First Line: INSIDE PEOPLE FEAR THE OUTSIDE. OUTSIDE, THE IN
Last Line: PITCH, IMITATE THE SEA IN PERFECT BALANCE IN HER TORMENT.

Inside people fear the outside; outside, the in.
But then I'm always halfway in or out the door,
most comfortable and at home in this fear,
knowing that falling is best for my nature.
Backward works well, or gathered for the leeward
pitch, imitate the sea in perfect balance in her torment.



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