The Gift

Yes, take it
But you do not want to open it
Because you do not know what’s inside--
Not that all gifts are to be found suspect,
But there is something about this one
That makes me unsure, unsettled,
In fact I expect that what’s inside
Is dangerous, some type of poison, maybe,
Or a weapon, or a weaponized chemical--
Though the outside is attractive
So, yes take it, but hide it,
Put it away somewhere where you could
Steal a look at it once in a while,
Think of opening it and being surprised,
The actual inside being some lovely thing
You could get lost in, some treasure
A love you have yet to meet, some admirer
Sent you as a way to woo you,
Some song that would deafen all ears
With the highest pitch of joy,
Think of that but do not, whatever you do,
Open that thing.  I would get far away from it
Were it not so attractive, which is why I say
Hide it, make it almost unknown to you
As we make so many aspects of our lives,
As we make what is best and strongest there,
Cover it with some cloak or disguise
So that you barely recognize it,
Then, when you cannot take it anymore
Go to the place where you stored it away
And look after it, not too long,
Look at it and long for it,
I wouldn’t touch it but look,
Touch only with a look, that grace,
Touch it that way in a safe place,
Let it define your life--
But, whatever you do,
Do not open it!