Наоми Шихаб Най. Искусство исчезать

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 
anymore. 
You're trying to remember something 
too important to forget. 
Threes. The monastery bell
at twilight. 
Tell them you have a new project. 
It will never be finished. 

When someone recognized 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.