From The Top

I like this poem by Jane Hirshfield because A) cooking (as well as weeding the garden and repainting your bedroom) totally is redemptive; because B) "da capo" is a cute Italian phrase for "from the top" — like in music; and because C) as I've said before, there's always hope—for me and for you.

Da Capo

Take the used-up heart like a pebble and throw it far out.

Soon there is nothing left. Soon the last ripple exhausts itself in the weeds.

Returning home, slice carrots, onions, celery. Glaze them in oil before adding the lentils, water, and herbs.

Then the roasted chestnuts, a little pepper, the salt. Finish with goat cheese and parsley. Eat. You may do this, I tell you, it is permitted. Begin again the story of your life.