The Art Of Disappearing
(Naomi Shihab Nye)
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 any more.
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.
