Levis

This evening, the sturdy Levi's
I wore every day for over a year
and 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 a racquetball court,
showered,
got into his street clothes,
and halfway home collapsed & died.
Take heed, you who read this,
and drop to your knees now & again
like the poet Christopher Smart,
and kiss the earth & be joyful,
and make much of your time,
and 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 Levi's ripped at the crotch
for no reason,
assure you that such is the case.
Pass it on.

"Notice" ~ Steve Kowit