Josefina y el criollo

A pinch of Salt

When a dream is born in you
with a sudden clamorous pain,
when you know the dream is true
and lovely, with no flaw nor stain,
o then, be careful, or with sudden clutch
You'll hurt the delicate thing you prize so much.

Dreams are like a bird that mocks,
Flirting the feathers of his tail.
When you seize at the salt-box,
over the hedge you'll see him sail.
Old birds are neither caught with salt nor chaff:
They watch you from the apple bough and laugh.

Poet, never chase the dream.
Laugh yourself, and turn away.
Mask your hunger; let it seem
small matter if he come or stay; But when he nestles in your hand at last,
Close up your fingers tight and hold him fast.

Robert Graves