It is not growing like a tree

in bulk1) doth make man better be;

or standing long an oak, three hundred year,

to fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere2):

a lily of a day

is fairer far in may,

although it fall and die that night—

it was the plant and flower of light.

in small proportions3) we just beauties see;

and in short measures4) life may perfect be.



1. bulk [bʌlk] n. (尤指巨大的)体积

2. sere [sɪə] adj. <诗> <古> 干枯的；枯萎的

3. proportion [prəˈpɔː(r)ʃ(ə)n] n. 面积；范围

4. short measure: 缺陷，不足之处



要成就人生，

不必如巨树，木秀于林；

不必如橡树，经年不倒，

亦难逃枯朽之命；

五月之百合，

绽放一日，便有万种风情；

纵然是夜凋零，

却是光华的落英；

于细微处领略美丽，

于残缺处完满生命。