From “Fragments of an Apocryphal Evangelist”
Happy 121st birthday to Jorge Luis Borges!
COUNSELOR: Poetry Crisis Line, what is your emergency?
CALLER: The door does the choosing,
COUNSELOR: What are you afraid it might choose?
CALLER: not the man.
COUNSELOR: I see. And what is it about the man that appeals to you?
CALLER: Blessed are the poor without bitterness and the rich without pride.
COUNSELOR: They sound like quite the power couple.
CALLER: Happy are the beloved
COUNSELOR: So you think you’ll still connect with him anyway? Despite the door?
CALLER: happy are the lovers,
COUNSELOR: I like your attitude.
CALLER: and happy those who can do without love.
COUNSELOR: I see you’ve planned for all contingencies.
CALLER: Happy are the happy.
COUNSELOR: I can’t argue with that.