Awareness and Compassion

Awareness and compassion are themes likely derived from Hirshfield's study of Zen Buddhism, although the connection is invisible in her work. She has noted several times over the years that she does not wish to be labeled a "Zen poet," but readily acknowledges that the components of the religion have become organic to her poetry, her philosophy, and her lifestyle. In "Three Times My Life Has Opened," Hirshfield is keenly aware of her own being and of her relationship to the natural world as a human and, more specifically, as a woman. This self-awareness also makes her attentive to and compassionate toward other beings—in this case, the reader.

Being aware of what goes on in one's life may seem like a given. But most people who can report the facts of life experiences neglect to take the obvious a step further—a step into deeper...