When mind goes blank when sonnet time has come,
and thinking seems to further wash it bare,
one should just say today both deaf and dumb
no witty words are waiting here to share.

When body fails when simple needs have called,
and extra effort is but wasted work,
one should accept that much in future sprawled
will be facades behind which daemons lurk.

When spirit languishes when hope is low,
and kindly comments sting as jabbing taunts,
one should reject all memories of woe
and only fix upon the healing wants.

Remember not what can no longer be.
Let love take charge so that dislike will flee.
- Robert Stone, 6 June 2010