The Open Hand and the Closed Fist

The open hand said to the closed fist: “Try this!”

The closed fist said: “Afraid.”

The open hand said, “You’ll be part of Everything!” The closed fist replied, “Inside my cave I must yet cling.”

Open Hand: “Are you clenched in anger?” Closed Fist: “Deep down, it’s more like hunger.”

The open hand implored, “You’ll do yourself damage if you hit!” The fist replied, “I’m not really aggressive. For protection I do this.”

The open hand then said, “I’m sad because you’re blind. The lovely world you cannot see.” The closed fist answered, “For right now, my business is with me.”

The Open Hand: But oh— If you could see as I— and parallel the sky!”

The Closed Fist: “My cavern is my safety and my need. I’m like a buried, deeply-dreaming seed.

Some day I’ll open naturally. Can you wait and see?

You are open now my friend, but you were once like me.”