The inner working of a human being
is a jungle. Sometimes wolves
dominate. Sometimes wild hogs.
Be wary when you breathe.
At one moment gentle, generous qualities,
like Joseph's, pass from one nature
to another. The next moment
vicious qualities move in hidden ways.
In every instant a new species rises
in the chest--now a demon, now an angel,
now a wild animal, now a human friend.
There are also those in this amazing jungle
who can absorb you into their own surrender.
If you have to stalk and steal something,