Rest in peace, Diane di Prima (1934-2020), who passed while we were distracted by the election.
NEF (counselor): Poetry Crisis Line, what is your emergency?
DIANE DI PRIMA (caller): My friend wears my scarf at his waist.
NEF: Is your neck cold?
DI PRIMA: I give him moonstones.
NEF: Did he give your scarf back?
DI PRIMA: He gives me shell & seaweeds.
NEF: That’s no good. If they’re dry enough to keep you warm, they’ll be too brittle to wear.
Read “An Exercise in Love” by Diane di Prima here.