Notice

 

This evening, the sturdy Levi's

I wore every day for over a year

& which seemed to the end

in perfect condition,

suddenly tore.

How or why I don't know,

but there it was: a big rip at the crotch.

A month ago my friend Nick

walked off a racquetball court,

showered,

got into his street clothes,

& halfway home collapsed & died.

Take heed, you who read this,

& drop to your knees now & again

like the poet Christopher Smart,

& kiss the earth & be joyful,

& make much of your time,

& be kindly to everyone,

even to those who do not deserve it.

For, although you may not believe

it will happen,

you too will one day be gone.

I, whose Levi's ripped at the crotch

for no reason,

assure you that such is the case.

Pass it on.

Steve Kowit, The Dumbbell Nebula (Heyday Books, 2000)