Before Addressing the People

What strikes me about this poem is the last line, “His open mouth a zero.”  The prophet journeys back to deliver a message but freezes upon seeing his open mouth in the well–

I have realized that life’s epiphanies and perhaps even prophecies are more intimate and powerful if never spoken…they tend to bind the person to G-d.  We all have them–little moments where we gain insight into our lives–moments that rush our bloodstreams with the passion to announce our findings to the world.  We prepare to announce and share—oftentimes we realize that the gift is better kept private and shown through a change in our behavior and attitude toward life and the people in our lives–rather than an announcement from an open and void mouth.

Before Addressing the People

Before addressing the people

The prophet on return from the desert

Bends over the well

To quench his thirst

But freezes

When he sees his reflection–

His open mouth a zero

–by Ronalds Briedis (Latvia)

Translated from the Latvian by Margita Gailitis and J.C. Todd