Hugging the Pohutukawa – Sundry Proverbs (Doha)

Do not throw your arms around a pohutukawa –
you must show deference to an ancient tree;
it sends its vast roots down into the dank forest floor,
and will rebuke you for your naivety.

If you have killed a spider in your dream, be afraid –
this symbolizes some ready accident;
far better if you have killed and eaten the spider –
this means you are in control and dominant.

I will tell you the way to collect hemp from the field:
cover yourself in leather from head to toes,
run like a maniac through the tiers of spiky plants,
then scrape the glutinous resin off your clothes.

Know that I am a loner and will always be one –
you can take me out and show me fine dining,
but a sumptuous feast will not change a jot of it,
for I will only ever be observing.

When a mother is weary, do not ask a question –
she is likely to give a dusty answer;
let her idle in the hallways like a missing guest,
let her rest in the entr'acte, like a dancer.