ACCOUNT OF MY DAYS
Sequence: 4
THE VISITORS
they come to us mostly
when we are asleep
a knock on the door or
suddenly there at our side
one is dressed better
than we remember and
he is a better talker
and generally sharper
though still diffident
as he takes us aside
one by one to say
I really did the things
you've heard it's not
a dream no one's fault
but mine I'm sorry
but I went away to
get help or the other
who is there while you
weep and knows
you were remembering
and she says it's
all right I'm OK
but she is sad too
and weeps with you
and reaches for your hand
you want to pull away
but she holds you
don't eat the food I began
to eat yesterday she says
the water I have drunk
you should put away
the grass comes up again
but I will never be back
from the place more real
than anywhere you've been
and she pushes you away
and you sit up in the dark
your face is wet you
put your hand to it
and your hand is cold