The Old Miserable Woman.... Poem by RIC BASTASA

you must understand
and please do not be hurt
that between you and
and that old woman
she will choose the latter,

forget your wit, hide your humor
discard your wisdom, throw away
all confidences, - -keep your money
make more, save, hoard,
do not spend, do not talk,
keep that tree of abundance grow,
make it tall, let all the green
leaves of summer come about,
keep the mystery, live privately

for soon, when you sit again
beside that old woman, she will
finally choose you- -

and then do not mind her,
she will soon die, and be forgotten,
live your life fully
erase her completely and do not
ever compare yourself

to that old woman, how she caused
so much misery to you,
how you have learned, to love yourself,
follow your ambition, and fulfill
what you wish you were not.