Ah the great
the venerable
whoever he is
ahead of me
huge load
terrific backache
wherever
a chair’s waiting
meadow
sky
beckoning
he’s the one
that’s been
there
without instructions
and for no wages
a huge load
on his back
and under his arm
thus
always
all in place
perfect
just as it was
sweet home
at the address
I never even dreamed of
the address
I’m already changing
in a hurry
to overtake him
to arrive
not ahead
but just as
he sets down
the table
the bread crumbs
I used to
say
I was part
of his load
high up there
roped safely
with the junk
the eviction notices
I used to
prophesy
he’ll stumble
by and by
no luck—
oh
Mr. Furniture Mover
on my knees
let me come
for once
early
to where it’s vacant
you still
on the stairs
wheezing
between floors
and me behind the door
in the gloom
I think I would
let you do
what you must