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For the memory of my father
Fine old man walking down the street,
tipped his hat and said: “Nice day today,
beautiful, beautiful—like you!”
Thought of you, almost ninety,
arm in arm with me walking to the corner
of Thirteenth and Sixth...
we were going to the French Embassy
for your yearly (your last) certificat de vie.
That short stretch opened an impromptu
avenue today; I remembered something
you would say: “Tat Twam Así. I am you
you are me. I am you. Remember.”
Rain or shine, to man woman child—awake
or overtired, I smile, I say: “Nice day today,
beautiful, beautiful—like you.” |