CarrollBlog

Since you asked

by Lawrence Raab
(for a friend who asked
to be in a poem)

Since you asked, let us make it dinner
at your house--a celebration
for no reason, which is always
the best occasion. Are you worried
there wont be enough space, enough food?
But in a poem we can do anything we want.
Look how easy it is to add on rooms, to multiply
the wine and chickens. And while were at it
lets take those trees that died last winter
and bring them back to life.
Things should look pulled together,
and we could use the shade--so even now
they shudder and unfold their bright new leaves.
And now the guests are arriving--everyone
you expected, the others as well:
friends who never became your friends,
the women you didnt marry, all their children.
And the dead--I didnt tell you
but theyre always included in these gatherings--
hesitant and shy, they hang back at first
among the blossoming trees.
You have only to say their names,
ask them inside. Everyone will find a place
at your table. What more can I do?
The glasses are filled, the children are quiet.
My friend, it must be time for you to speak.