Gift Shopping

for Anna

I would give you flowers
but you're brighter. A doll
would be too still, a ring
too small a circle. I would

buy you a hat, but why
drop a shadow on your eye?
And what shoes could keep
up with you? No toy

can match the bliss you bring,
no trip can reach the span
of your adventuring. I could
smile for you, but right away

you would outdo my gift.
I am bereft. How can I give?
What do I have? What do
you need? A poem! I could

write some words and those
quick disappearing things
could signify the frailty
we feel when faced with love.

Hide them or let them 
slide away like rain.
The gift doesn't matter,
sitting squarely wrapped

like an ice cube or a
contract -- tear it open!
Tear it up! Whatever
fits in there is not enough.


February 18, 2002