[Marion Shore]

I am so sad to hear this. She was a fine poet, an insightful critic and a witty, funny and really nice person.

I'm glad Rose gave the link to this one, because it was one of the most powerful and poignant poems I have ever read, anywhere. I pleaded with her to send it to the Nemerov--even offered to send it myself and save her the postage--but she didn't take me up on the offer.

Visiting the Surgical Ward

I come festooned with flowers, smiles and grapes,
prepared to play my part, to entertain
and act the fool, a cheery jackanapes
with jokes and japes. I know I must sustain
a jester's role and this facade can't fail
despite the rictus of a monkey grin.
Give me a short red coat that bares my tail
and I will caper like a capuchin

but better that than show the dog behind
my eyes, that blackly hunkers down and whines.
It would attack if only it could find
an enemy to bite. Instead it pines;
for neither simian nor hound can tell
if this goodbye will be our last farewell.