This evening, the sturdy Levis I wore every day
for over a year & which seemed to the end in perfect condition
suddenly tore. How or why I don’t know, but there it was–
a big rip at the crotch.
A month ago my friend Nick walked off the racquetball court,
showered, got into his street clothes
& halfway home collapsed & died.
Take heed you who read this & drop to your knees now & again
like the poet Christopher Smart & kiss the east
& be joyful & make much of your time
& be kindly to everyone, even to those who do not deserve it.
For although you may not believe it will happen,
you too will one day be gone.
I, whose Levis ripped at the crotch
for no reason, assure you that such is the case.
Pass it on.