A day comes

.

A day comes

when the mouth grows tired

of saying "I."

.

Yet it is occupied

still by a self which must speak.

Which still desires,

is curious.

Which believes it has also a right.

.

What to do?

The tongue consults with the teeth

it knows will survive

both mouth and self,

.

which grin - it is their natural pose -

and say nothing.

.

~ Jane Hirshfield

from "After"

.