Thought for a May Saturday

That the stars are adamant

everyone understands—

but I won’t give up seeking joy on each blue wave

or peace below every gray stone.

If happiness never comes, what is a life?

A lily withers in the sand

and if its nature has failed? The tide

                                    washes the beach at night.

—Edith Södergran, A Life

image:  Christie B. Cochrell, Aquarium