Michael Leunig: Untitled ["When the heart is cut"]

When the heart
Is cut or cracked or broken,
Do not clutch it;
Let the wound lie open.
Let the wind
From the good old sea blow in
To bathe the wound with salt,
And let it sting.
Let a stray dog lick it,
Let a bird lean in the hole and sing
A simple song like a tiny bell,
And let it ring.

Untitled ["When the heart is cut"] by Michael Leunig. Text as archived on the poet's website.

Art credit: "Playful Creature," cartoon by Michael Leunig.