Book Launch

For David Chan

When my friend and fellow-poet
launched my latest book,
reciting chosen bits
and some whole poems,
the customary gathered handful
listened in respectful silence
but I, strangely removed,
heard these almost weightless things,
wistful, carefully wrought,
facets of life tenderly, cleverly caught-
my recent years unreeling before me –
and I sat like one stunned
to be present at his own eulogy.

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