Circle and Square by Edwin Muir
‘I give you half of me; No more, lest I should make A ground for perjury. For your sake, for my sake, Half will you take?’
‘Half I’ll not take nor give, For he who gives gives all. By halves you cannot live; Then let the barrier fall, In one circle have all.’
“A wise and ancient scorner Said to me once: Beware The road that has no corner Where you can linger and stare. Choose the square.
‘And let the circle run Its dull and fevered race. You, my dear, are one; Show your soul in your face; Maintain your place.
‘Give, but have something to give. No man can want you all. Live, and learn to live. When all the barriers fall You are nothing at all.’
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