Proverbs & Songs from Antonio Machado

Dedicated to Jose Ortega y Gasset
Hat tip to Poemaday

I The eye you see is not an eye because you see it; it is an eye because it sees you.

II To talk with someone, ask a question first, then -- listen.

III Narcissism is an ugly fault, and now it's a boring fault too.

V Between living and dreaming there is a third thing. Guess it.

XV Look for your other half who walks always next to you and tends to be what you aren't.

XVII In my solitude I have seen things very clearly that were not true.

XIX Only one creed stands: quod elixum est ne asato. Don't roast what's already boiled.

XX Sing on, sing on, sing on, the cricket in his cage near his darling tomato.

XXI Form your letters slowly and well: making things well is more important than making them.

XXXI Pay attention now: a heart that's all by itself is not a heart.

XXXIII He caught his bad man: the one who on sunny days walks with head down.

XXXVI Sunlight is good for waking, but I prefer bells -- the best thing about morning.