Since the book has come out I have
written four new poems, which means I will publish
my next book when I'm 100.
And here is one of those new poems.
It is titled, "Departure."
"Oh my needy pocket, the crooked tunnel that is not,
in fact, a tunnel.
You have brought me joy, you have brought me.
Who am I to question?
First chill, then stupor, then the evacuation.
And a man with a stained shirt, my legs spread, are you sure?
He asked.
Yes, I said.
Will she come back?
Will she?
I heard it all, the jar of me.
I put on my pants and gave thanks.
I held my grief like two limp tulips.
What am I allowed to have?
I'm still here.
I'm still hers.
I'm still a body licked by stars, my eyes always drawn
to the groveling.
Bless these burnt wings.
Bless, would I do it again?
Yes, yes, yes."
[APPLAUSE]