"October" by Frederick Seidel:
It is time to lose your life,
Even if it isn't over.
It is time to say goodbye and try to die.
It is October.The mellow cello
Allee of trees is almost lost in sweetness and mist
When you take off your watch at sunrise
To lose your life.You catch the plane.
You land again.
You arrive in the place.
You speak the language.You will live in a new house,
Even if it is old.
You will live with a new wife,
Even if she is too young.Your slender new husband will love you.
He will walk the dog in the cold.
He will cook a meal on the stove.
He will bring you your medication in bed.
Continued here.
(Video: Ta-Nehisi Coates reads from Frederick Seidel's POEMS 1959-2009: "Boys," and "October," starting at 5:38)
The Dish 