With a mirror
I could see the sky.
With two mirrors or three
justly placed, I could see
the sun bowing to the evening chimneys.
Moonrise -the moon itself might appear
in a fourth mirror placed high
and close to the open window.
With enough mirrors within
and even without the room, a cantilever
supporting them, mountains
and oceans might be manifest.
I understand perfectly
that I could encounter my own eyes
too ofen -I take account
of the danger-
If the mirrors
are large enough, and arranged
with bravura, I can look
beyond my own glance.
With one mirror
how many stars could I see?
I don't want to escape, only to see
the enactment of rites.
Collected Earlier Poems, 1940-1960
New Directions Publishing Corporation, 1979
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