CLOSING THOUGHTS

	November 6, 2001
	Former poet laureate Robert Pinsky shares his thoughts about the world after September 11.

ROBERT PINSKY, poet laureate: In these times, we're encouraged to be cautious, but not frightened; to be courageous, but not foolhardy; to be steadfast, but not stubborn. In other words, the wisdom seems to be take the prudent middle ground in our actions and in how we deal with our emotions. Can anyone make poetry out of the middle way? Can anyone be lyrical about moderation? Yes, the ancient Roman poet Horace. Here's one of Horace's poems as translated by David Ferry: TO LICINIUS (Horace, Odes II, 10) You'll do better, Licinius, not to spend your life Venturing too far out on the dangerous waters, Or else, for fear of storms, staying too close in To the dangerous rocky shoreline. That man does best Who chooses the middle way, so he doesn't end up Living under a roof that's going to ruin Or in some gorgeous mansion everyone envies. The tallest pine shakes most in a wind storm; The loftiest tower falls down with the loudest crash; The lightning bolt heads straight for the mountain top. Always expect reversals; be hopeful in trouble, Be worried when things go well. That's how it is For the man whose heart is ready for anything. It's true that Jupiter brings on the hard winters; It's also true that Jupiter takes them away. If things are bad right now, they won't always be. Apollo isn't always drawing his bow; There are times when he takes up his lyre and plays, And awakens the music sleeping upon the strings. Be resolute when things are going against you, But shorten sail when the fair wind blows too strong. -translated by David Ferry