Мэри Рюфл. Рука

The Hand 

The teacher asks a question. 
You know the answer, you suspect 
you are the only one in the classroom 
who knows the answer, because 
the person in question is yourself, 
and on that you are the greatest 
living authority, 
but you don't raise your hand. 
You raise the top of your desk and
take out an apple. 
You look out the window. 
You don't raise your hand and there 
is some essential beauty in your 
fingers, 
which aren't even drumming,  but
lie flat and peaceful. 
The teacher repeats the question. 
Outside the window,  on an 
overhanging branch,  a robin is 
ruffling its feathers 
and spring is in the air.