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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AFTER IKKYU: 56 by JAMES HARRISON

Poet Analysis

First Line: I'VE EMERGED FROM THE SEVEN-GOING-ON-EIGHT DIVORCES
Last Line: EMBRACE THE GREAT EMPTINESS; SAY AGAIN, I DON'T DO DIVORCES.

I've emerged from the seven-going-on-eight divorces
that have surrounded me for three years. I kept on saying
look at me, I'm not wise. I've advised seven suicides.
No one's separate. Our legs grow into the horse's body.
You've ridden each other too long to get off now.
You can make a clean getaway only if you cut off your heads.
All in vain. Life won't get simple until our minds do.
Embrace the great emptiness; say again, I don't do divorces.



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