The Secrets of Poetry
Very long ago when the exquisite celadon bowl that was the mikado's favorite cup got broken, no one in Japan had the skill and courage to mend it. So the pieces were taken back to China with a plea to the emperor that it be repaired. When the bowl returned, it was held together with heavy iron staples. The letter with it said they could not make it more perfect. Which turned out to be true.
From All of It Singing. Copyright © 2009 by Linda Gregg. Used with permission of Graywolf Press.