Da Capo

Take the used-up heart like a pebble

and throw it far out.

Soon there is nothing left.

Soon the last ripple exhausts itself

in the weeds.

Returning home, slice carrots, onions, celery.

Glaze them in oil before adding

the lentils, water, and herbs.

Then the roasted chestnuts, a little pepper, the salt.

Finish with goat cheese and parsley. Eat.

You may do this, I tell you, it is permitted.

Begin again the story of your life.

MARGINALIA

Beginning again. Hello, August.

ABOUT JANE HIRSHFIELD

Jane Hirshfield was born in New York City on February 24, 1953. A poet, translator, essayist, and editor. Hirshfield’s books of poetry include   The Asking: New & Selected Poems   (Alfred A. Knopf);   Ledger   (Alfred A. Knopf);   The Beauty: Poems   (Alfred A. Knopf, 2015) and   Given Sugar, Given Salt   (HarperCollins, 2001). Hirshfield is also the author of   Ten Windows: How Great Poems Transform the World   (Alfred A. Knopf);   Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry   (HarperCollins); and an e-book …  (more)

Jane Hirshfield was born in New York City on February 24, 1953. A poet, translator, essayist, and editor. Hirshfield’s books of poetry include   The Asking: New & Selected Poems   (Alfred A. Knopf);   Ledger   (Alfred A. Knopf);   The Beauty: Poems   (Alfred A. Knopf, 2015) and   Given Sugar, Given Salt   (HarperCollins, 2001). Hirshfield is also the author of   Ten Windows: How Great Poems Transform the World   (Alfred A. Knopf);   Nine Gates: Entering the Mind of Poetry   (HarperCollins); and an e-book on   Matsuo Bashō  , titled The Heart of Haiku.  ( Source )

(less)

Read more poems by  Jane Hirshfield  • Find books by this poet on  Amazon  •  Bookshop  • Follow on  Facebook  •  Or view my library

ENDNOTES

Explore other works in pursuit of:  renewal  •  healing  •  ritual  •  Or browse the index

If this work resonates with you,   please consider supporting the archive  . Thank you for reading.

ON THIS DAY

On This Day

[You darkness, that I come from,] by Rainer Maria Rilke

2025

Act Now & Save by Kevin Young

2024

Da Capo by Jane Hirshfield

2011