For Russ Messing on his new book of poems

I’ve read half-way through

your book of poems

that arrived today

I am holding it now

to my breast

and sobbing

with gratitude and a

sadness I cannot identify

I stroke the shiny cover as I sob

a poem is always

my favorite gift to get

and here is a bookful

I feel you in your now-times

the words spilling out

making pictures of your now-on-now

the march of nows slowly stealing away

your tomorrows

like mine I guess

I guess that’s why I’m sobbing

grateful and furious

that you reveal me

so nakedly

© Vilma Ginzberg, 01-18-2022