Donald Justice’s “Poem to be Read at 3 A.M.”
May 25th, 2007Save as PDF
Sometimes, every poet must feel like Donald Justice — all alone at 3 in the morning and just one second-story light on in a little town in the middle of nowhere. Are his headlights the candle that lights the darkness? For such a small poem, it carries some weight on its slim shoulders. In fact, it’s really a prayer — for that sick person, or that reader, who might just be every one of us.
Poem to be Read at 3 A.M.
Donald Justice
Excepting the diner
On the outskirts
The town of Ladora
At 3 A.M.
Was dark but
For my headlights
And up in
One second-story room
A single light
Where someone
Was sick or
Perhaps reading
As I drove past
At seventy
Not thinking
This poem
Is for whoever
Had the light on
November 12th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
J - HoytSE here in the Wayzata Public Library. Good afternoon to you and Holly, and all of Providence for that matter.
Talked this morning with Flea, and he sounded good. Genuinely good. And as much as he appreciated the call from me, I am even more grateful than he that I picked up the phone. I told him we loved him, and cared about how he was doing, and that’s why we stay in touch.
I alos sugegsted that he hike his buns up to providence for a home cooked Schenck emal, and a visit with Preston, Dr. ted and J. leo.
Miller is a brave man. I am in no hurry to go through an illness like he has. Indeed, I’m scared shitless and can barely talk about my fears. I know at some level it’s only a matter of time before I get something, or you do, or Preston,.Sam or Holly, et al. I am a big chicken, and I’ll own that.
Maybe the next poem you post on M.P. can address the mortality that some of us, at any rate, are having a hard time facing. Don’t write anything dreary or uncomfortable, mind you — but be business like re: acceptance, and comforting, uplifting, inspirational.
A Schenck poetic call to action — to live every day with great love and joy and appreciation for the many blessings each of us can count if he looks for them.
Thanks, pal, and happy Vets Day. xoxo HSE