2/27/2003

I
overheard a man
full of dismay
talking to friends
just the other day
heart broken tears
rolling down
his cheeks
in a public place.
He woke up
he said
having ruthlessly
made up his mind
while simultaneously
forgiving himself
for deciding
to leave
the human race
behind.
Anyone
who wants to
join me
is welcome
he said
but
he wasn’t expecting
much company
having seen that
most people
are following
the star
of those
fundamentally pleased
with all
they have failed
to become.
He never
liked crowds
anyway
he said
under his breath.
I listened
with sympathy
went home afterward
and
climbed into bed
to sleep
hoping to wake
headed for
a better place.