the words are only part of the poetic
formula: the rest is ritual, and the
reason in THEM must contend with the
mechanics of magic-making in IT -- and
must not win.

“People will think you brilliant only if you tell them what they know. To avoid …”

“Forgive me, giver, if I destroy the gift:it is so nearly what would please meI …”

“As stone suffers of stoniness,As light of its shiningness,As birds of their win…”

“Ah, the minutes twinkle in and outAnd in and out come and goOne by one, none by…”