I always thought Polonius was kind of brilliant. This is what happens when you read Shakespeare when you’re on your own, a very young person who is just wading through the words with no idea of context, I guess. But, his whole piece in Act 1, Scene 3 of the Scottish Play where he winds up with “this above all, to thine own self be true,” was poetic gold to me at, oh, thirteen or fourteen. I memorized that entire speech… only to discover much later that it was a bit of comedy, a managing parent holding up the works with a last bit of needless advice as a grown man tries to leave. That speech, so larded with helpful nuggets of advice, comes across a bit differently now, but I still rather like “Give every man thy ear but few thy voice.” We hear similar advice in “Keep your eyes wide and your mouth shut.” Can’t argue with that, really.
“Give your ears to words but do not give your words to ears.” ~ Hindustani Proverb
it’s all in the eyes
The spaces between words are solid, filled
with meanings that mere listening won’t yield.
~
The context that our silent thoughts convey
leave unlucky eavesdroppers led astray.
I’m a bit disappointed that I couldn’t find any other provenance for our proverb but the generic “Hindustani” label – no idea who said it, but I hope it’s common enough for someone to recognize.
P.S. – Isn’t it a nice bonus that I can inflict my terrible doodles on you this month as well? I think so. Happy Tuesday.