When I think no thing is like any other thing
I become speechless, cold, my body turns silver
and water runs off me, as if repulsed. There I am
ten feet from myself, possessor of nothing,
uncomprehending of even the simplest particle of dust.
But when I say, You are like
a swamp-animal during an eclipse,
I am happy, full of wisdom, loved by children
and old men alike. I am sorry if this confuses you.
During an eclipse the swamp-animal
acts as though day were night,
drinking when he should be sleeping, etc.
This is why men stay up all night
writing to you.