The Art of Disappearing

Author: Naomi Shihab Nye

1

2 When they say Don't I know you?
say no.

3 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.

4 If they say We should get together
say why?

5 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.

6 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.

7 Walk around feeling like a leaf.
Know you could tumble any second.
Then decide what to do with your time.

8 "The Art of Disappearing" by Naomi Shihab Nye from Words Under the Words: Selected Poems. © The Eighth Mountain Press.

DMU Timestamp: March 20, 2015 16:39