i.m. Janet Frame

When the sun shines more years than fear

When the sun shines more years than fear
when birds fly more miles than anger
when sky holds more bird
sails more cloud
shines more sun
than the palm of love carries hate,
even then shall I in this weary
seventy-year banquet say, Sunwaiter
Birdwaiter, Skywaiter,
I have no hunger,
remove my plate.

by Janet Frame 1924-2004
from The Pocket Mirror, published 1967



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