Speech in a Chamber


It is a scent of such astonishing strength,
why, Leopold, there are flowers hidden
throughout the room. There must be for I

cannot sleep without the noise of a boquet,
and gently, gently, sir, you know
I sleep most gently in this small room.


Was he now
In the middle
Of his life
With half of it
Yet to come
Like a visit
Made on the run

“Middle Age” by Samuel Menashe (1925–2011)

Read Menashe’s obituary at The New York Times; listen to an audio portrait at the Poetry Foundation.

(via nybooks)

(Source: nybooks)