“The Reed Flute’s Work I say to the reed flute, You do the work, yet you know sweet secrets too. You share the Friend’s breathing. What could you need from me? The reed replies, Knowledge is total destruction. I say, Burn me completely then and leave no knowing. How could I, when it’s knowledge that leads us? But this knowledge has lost compassion and grown disgusted with itself. It has forgotten about silence and emptiness. A reed flute has nine holes and is a model of human consciousness, beheaded, though still in love with lips. This is your disgrace, this moaning. Weep for the sounds you make.”
