TO PLAY JS BACH “FUGUE IN C”

for MG

For this journey, forget practical things.

Begin with touch and smell, silk and mohair

bird feathers, silver frog for joy, comb

of bone and amber beads. The red hat 

bought in Jerusalem on a day no rockets 

fell on that city. Little bag with lavender 

and rose petals. A pinch of salt. Maybe

some French brandy for sudden 

exquisite eruptions of despair. Never pack 

an alarm clock since borders are alarming 

enough. Pack rhythms and the cadences, 

the dominant pedal tone. I like the heron 

flying east, legs stretched out, head pulled in, 

for speed. I never pack my blue jeans—

prefer to wear them when I leave. I get 

enthusiastic. I see my life like a clear, if stony, 

brook. I close the suitcase and put it in my closet. 

Better to go light! Never know what you’ll meet.