Charles Simic calls the Poetry Crisis Line

Happy Labor Day from the Poetry Crisis Line!

From “Eyes Fastened with Pins” by Charles Simic

JERRY (COUNSELOR): Poetry Crisis Line, what is your emergency?
SIMIC (CALLER): How much death works,
JERRY: I heard he’s not proud.
SIMIC: No one knows
JERRY: That’s just what I’ve heard.
SIMIC: what a long day he puts in.
JERRY: He’s been putting in overtime lately.
SIMIC: The little wife always alone ironing death’s laundry.
JERRY: Really?
SIMIC: The beautiful daughters setting death’s supper table.
JERRY: Strange. I heard he was a great equalizer.