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  • Instructions for Forbearance
  • David Ades (bio)

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“Gingko Leaf” © Jana Juříčková

[End Page 1]

When receiving anger, accept that some gifts are fickle: be reverent as a cup receiving water. Do not spill a drop.

When feeling anger, be not as a wind fanning a fire: be as a flame that douses itself.

When being a wind fanning a fire, do not despair: this is your nature. Attempt to be a flame dousing itself.

When being a flame unable to douse itself, do not turn the flame outwards: let it burn itself out.

After being a flame that has burnt itself out, look among the ashes for shoots of tenderness.

When being a flame once more, attempt to be a flame dousing itself. Remember the cup of water. [End Page 2]

David Ades

David Ades is an Australian poet currently living in Pittsburgh. His poems have recently appeared or are forthcoming in Bewildering Stories, Blue Pepper, Five Poetry Journal, Illya’s Honey, Red River Review, Rune Literary Magazine, San Pedro River Review and Eye Contact. He is one of nine poets featured on a CD titled “Adelaide 9 - The poetry of the city.” His collection, Mapping the World, was commended for the Fellowship of Australian Writers Anne Elder Award 2008. davidades@hotmail.com

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