English poem

Of Shop Windows

Looking closely at the glass windows of my shop, I see in them the whole of my shop reflected. Looking at my windows closely from the street, I see in them the life of the street reflected. Yet if I stand away, the glass remains transparent, And I see clearly through it to the things beyond.

If I look with close vision Into the hearts of men, I see my own small heart reflected. I will try henceforth not to look at them too closely.

More by Thomas Burke

Of a National Cash Register
Of a Night in War-Time
Of Inaccessible Beauty
Of Politicians
Of the Great White War
Of Two Dwellings
Of Worship and Conduct
On a Saying of Mencius

All 40 poems by Thomas Burke