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.<br /><br />Naomi Shihab Nye<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-art-of-disappearing/
