Emotions often are too strong to word
describing self and others as we know
those others by what seen and overheard
compared with stories learned so long ago.

Obsessions realized are softened down
depicting actions as responses set
in common tales that teach to laugh or frown
at some inanimate no longer threat.

Desires postponed are questions not content
distinguishing but poorly good from bad
with careless ease disguising straight with bent
and leading aimless idler sane to mad.

Know when at last you give your fable cry
expect no satisfying answer why.

- Robert Stone, 4 December 2011