When they say Don't I know you? br say no. br br When they invite you to the party br remember what parties are like br before answering. br Someone telling you in a loud voice br they once wrote a poem. br Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate. br Then reply. br br If they say We should get together br say why? br br It's not that you don't love them anymore. br You're trying to remember something br too important to forget. br Trees. The monastery bell at twilight. br Tell them you have a new project. br It will never be finished. br br When someone recognizes you in a grocery store br nod briefly and become a cabbage. br When someone you haven't seen in ten years br appears at the door, br don't start singing him all your new songs. br You will never catch up. br br Walk around feeling like a leaf. br Know you could tumble any second. br Then decide what to do with your time.