#33 The Art of Disappearing...

I'm getting better at it.

I didn't really have any projects to finish. I escaped to Ireland for ten days. More about that in future posts (I took lots of pictures!).

Today I wanted to share a poem I found by Naomi Shihab Nye, an American poet born in Palestine. It says exactly what I've thought. So. Many. Times. How about you? 


The Art of Disappearing

When they say Don’t I know you?
say no.

When they invite you to the party
remember what parties are like
before answering.
Someone telling you in a loud voice
they once wrote a poem.
Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.
Then reply.

If they say we should get together
say why?

It’s not that you don’t love them any more.
You’re trying to remember something
too important to forget.
Trees. The monastery bell at twilight.
Tell them you have a new project.
It will never be finished.

When someone recognizes you in a grocery store
nod briefly and become a cabbage.
When someone you haven’t seen in ten years
appears at the door,
don’t start singing him all your new songs.
You will never catch up.

Walk around feeling like a leaf.
Know you could tumble any second.
Then decide what to do with your time. 

                   
-Naomi Shihab Nye

Sometimes it's really hard not to want to disappear for longer....

(Note: Today is my Dad's 91st birthday!!! Happy Birthday, Pops!)