To an Unknown Poet | Poem

To an Unknown Poet Poem Text

I haven't the heart to say
you are not welcome here.
Your clothes smell of poverty, illness
and unswept closets.
5 You come unannounced to my door
with your wild-faced wife and your many children.
I tell you I am busy.
I have a dentist's appointment.
I have a terrible cold.
10 The children would run mad
through our living room, with its collected
bibelots and objects of art.
I'm not as young as I was.
I am terrified of breakage.
15 It's not that I won't help you.
I'd love to send you a box
of hand-milled soap;
...
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