3.22.2011

FOR ELINOR SHUI WAN DORSETT AND THOMAS KEEN

My actual niece, not one of
my wife's who are long since
my own, you once brought flowers;
it's about time I repay your bouquet

with a poem--Thanks, Uncle, but your
thank-you verse is late by fifteen years.

No, not so; have I always thanked God
since I first learned in a coldwater flat

that you would enter the world? The answer
which you never heard is a resounding
yes! You are both kin and kind
(what a difference the d makes!) and I predict

a joyful Keen life-- (How do I know it?
Ask worm or whippoorwill, I have connections)--
You will do well. Remain connected,
Shui Wan, although we might not meet again.

1 comment: