For Doug Davis

I often
wonder why you ran so fast,
if it was all to end at Orly Field that day.

You might have stopped in Spain awhile
and let the sun go singing in your head.
Or walked the hills in Hydra.
Or even stayed at home.
Atlanta’s not that bad in summertime.

You might have listened for the wind
and got to know it better.
They say it comes in handy later on.
I might have been a better friend
if I hadn’t trusted time.

If the dead can hear the living
raise your head a little
and I’ll try to show you Spain.

Los Angeles
6/5/65