Against the Evidence: Selected Poems, 1934–1994

For a Friend

For a Friend I did not tell you to open the window when the sun shines. I asked for an old man near a tattered cart selling luck charms. But tell me, what is the truth, what is the music in the box when bananas fall from stars? I would not peel a stinking egg if I were you, Columbus, O Gem of the ocean. Make it stand without breaking. I said the rain was running against the curb and the clop of hooves in the air, fuzzy light, wet walks; your clothes all wet. I said you must not turn your back nor take away your hands. You must not humph, nor drop your clothes from you and leave the room. You left and not even a handshake while the factory whistled come to work. I turned in bed going over the ground with you and agreeing. In the dawn I rose looking for needle and thread. I found a dime in the street. Neighbors Where do they find the answers? Never have I heard shouting or violent noise from the windows across the street. Lights and music, some loud talk, glasses tinkling and cigar smoke trailing out the windows. I will not say perfect lives, I have heard of the death of a daughter in childbirth. The tears and laments were hard to listen to, peopleclosed their windows and wiped their brows. 4 | Poems of the1930s ...