Farther from the Heart
by Jane Bowles

Oh, I’m sad for never knowing courage,
And I’m sad for the stilling of fear.
Closer to the sun now and farther from the heart.
I think that my end must be near.

I linger too long at a picnic,
’cause a picnic’s gayer than me.
And I hold to the edge of the table,
’cause the table’s stronger than me,
And I lean on anyone’s shoulder
because anyone’s warmer than me.

Oh, I’m sad for never knowing courage,
And I’m sad for the stilling of fear.
Closer to the sun now and farther from the heart.
I think my end must be near.