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 any second.
Then
decide what to do with your time.