One day last fall Dianne told me on the phone
“I think Hedy is dying of pancreatic cancer”
I didn’t believe it
But in any case
All there was to do that day
Was to sip the Steak and Shake vanilla milkshake with her
Massage her feet
Argue with her over whether or not
To get involved in the South African free speech case
And notice her beaming at me
With such love
Like I’m a treasured, incomparable son
A Yiddish proverb goes
“Sleep faster
We need the pillows”
No, live more slowly, mindfully
Love Hedy in the present
Let go of the rest
