When they say Don't I know you?
say no.
.
When they invite you to the party
remember what parties are like
before answering.
Someone telling you in a loud voice
they once wrote a poem.
Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.
Then reply.
.
If they say We should get together
say why?
.
It's not that you don't love them anymore.
You're trying to remember something
too important to forget.
Trees. The monastery bell at twilight.
Tell them you have a new project.
It will never be finished.
.
When someone recognizes you in a grocery store
nod briefly and become a cabbage.
When someone you haven't seen in ten years
appears at the door,
don't start singing him all your new songs.
You will never catch up.
.
Walk around feeling like a leaf.
Know you could tumble at any second.
Then decide what to do with your time.
.
The Art of Disappearing by Naomi Shihab Nye
.
.
(Thanks for reminding me... I've been forgetting a lot lately.)
The poet reads this on youtube: http://www.youtube.co/watch?v=LkqLl8Y3G6w
ReplyDeleteI love it.
Terry, it was those very lines you took from here and put on your profile that attracted me years ago. I think very few understand, but what an important writing-- I'm so glad to see the other lines. Amen to them, and thank you.
ReplyDeleteI like it. Now go to my blog and do the "Y Chromosomo-minute." (Cathy told me to tell you, not hint to you.)
ReplyDeleteI like this poem--I understand :)
ReplyDelete"Don't I know you?"
ReplyDelete- No.
I feel like a leaf. It will never be finished, like a greasy sausage ball on a paper plate or a monastery bell at twilight, I will never catch up.