Apr 11, 2013 00:46
"You're Not Home, It’s Probably Better"
Brenda Shaughnessy
I am calling to wish you well. I am calling because I want to
change something I said. A year ago you asked me three questions.
I thought you were asking my birthday wishes and answered all
wrong. If you remember (if I know you you’ll pretend you don’t)
I answered:
1) No, I have always been homely.
2) Yes I believe you have always been too lovely for anyone to
bear.
3) Silk. It is not always expensive, and it is impossible to tear.
It’s my birthday again and because I am cleverer now I can answer
you with more nerve. But because I am still me I am pitiless
enough to have your number and call you with this excuse to let
you know I am still alive (I won’t push it by telling you that I am
wonderful).
1) Yes. Thank you.
2) No. I found it a most repulsive photo.
3) Same. Though I don’t think of you, still it’s a near-perfect heat.
And so dear when ruined.
"Who are you really, wanderer?"--/and the answer you have to give/no matter how dark and cold/the world around you is:/"Maybe I'm a king."
brenda shaughnessy,
william stafford