October

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It is time to lose your life,

Even if it isn't over.

It is time to say goodbye and try to die.

It is October.

The mellow cello

Allee of trees is almost lost in sweetness and mist

When you take off your watch at sunrise

To lose your life.

You catch the plane.

You land again.

You arrive in the place.

You speak the language.

You will live in a new house,

Even if it is old.

You will live with a new wife,

Even if she is too young.

Your slender new husband will love you.

He will walk the dog in the cold.

He will cook a meal on the stove.

He will bring you your medication in bed.

Dawn at the city flower market downtown.

The vendors have just opened.

The flowers are so fresh.

The restaurants are there to decorate their tables.

Your husband rollerblades past, whizzing,

Making a whirring sound, winged like an angel--

But stops and spins around and skates back

To buy some cut flowers in the early morning frost.

I am buying them for you.

I am buying them for your blond hair at dawn.

I am buying them for your beautiful breasts.

I am buying them for your beautiful heart.


–Frederick Seidel

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