naomi's poem

the art of disappearing

when they say don't i know you?
say no

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.

if they say we should get together
say why?

it's not that you don't love them any more.
you're trying to remember something
too important to forget.
trees, the monastery bells at twilight.

tell them you have a new project
it will never be finished.

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.

walk around feeling like a leaf
know you could tumble any second
then decide what to do with your time.

                               - naomi shihab nye

isn't it beautiful?
I've been trying to put it to memory and reciting it to myself during this intense period of christmas parties and get-togethers and ho ho hos
i'm just realizing that i'm becoming more introverted as the years pass...

yes...i'm writing as if i haven't been on this blog for weeks now
but i'm not quite back to my blogging self yet...and i so wanted to share this beautiful poem for all you introverts out there.

for just a little bit longer, i'll be cabbage-ing at the produce aisle.

erica
xoxo