Venice masks

Thursday, 14 December 2023

Sudsakorn (from Phra Aphai Mani) - Sunthorn Phu

Do not trust others, he said:                     
be afraid of the human mind.

Even the most twisted of vines                 
seems benign compared to the soul.

Two people do have pure intent:              
Your parents, who love with hearts whole.

But destiny’s yours to control                    
It’s your role to think on your own.

Beware of even the friendly                      
Cautiously think through all you’ve known.

Knowledge is not enough, alone:
The capstone is learning to survive.

Sunthorn Phu [Phra Sunthorn Vohara] (1786 - 1855) Thailand
Translated by Ken Mathis Lohatepanont

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