I Was Doing Something

I was doing something

I don’t remember what

I was standing in a place

I don’t remember where

I was waiting for someone

But I don’t remember who

It was before or it was after

I don’t remember when

Then suddenly or gradually

I was removed. I was taken

To this place of reversal

And I was separated

And in the place of every part

There was the name of fear

And for a vast memorial

There was the name of grief

If you know the prayer

For one who has been so dislocated

Please say it or sing it

And if there is among the words

An empty space or among the letters

An orchard of return

Please say my name firmly there

With a voice or hand

Which only you command

You righteous ones

Who are concerned with such matters

But hurry please

For all the parts of me

That gathered briefly around this plea

Are dispersed again

And scattered on the other side

Where the angels stand upside down

And everything is covered with dust

And everyone burns with shame

And no one is allowed to cry out