VIII
Bright upon the table
for your birthday,
the burning candles will dissolve
in rays
and lumps of wax.
Unlike a skull,
they say politely,
This is you!

IX
I am afraid
because of the foolishness
I have spoken.

I must diet 
on silence;
strengthen myself
with quiet.

Where is the wisdom
with which I may be medicined?
I will walk by myself
and cure myself
in the sunshine and the wind.