I often hear: “The world is cruel,”
More rarely — “A joyful life,” —
So sums up the deep
So-called “I” in each of us.

The little shell surveys
What was gifted by the waves,
Studies where the good is, where the evil,
Making an effort.

And does not suspect that what it sees
Outside is a mirror of being —
With hostility it will scare itself,
With friendliness be amazed: “What Beauty!”