"The Art of Disappearing", by Naomi Shihab Nye

This poem found me again a couple days ago. Thank you Toni Goodman, for sharing it with us at your Poetry circle, years ago. Poetry has a life of its own and keeps coming back, to be seen with new eyes. Here it is:

The Art of Disappearing

by Naomi Shihab Nye

When they say Don't I know you?

say no.

When they invite you to the party

remember what parties are like

before answering.

Someone telling you in a loud voice

they once wrote a poem.

Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.

Then reply.

If they say We should get together

say why?

It's not that you don't love them anymore.

You're trying to remember something

too important to forget.

Trees. The monastery bell at twilight.

Tell them you have a new project.

It will never be finished.

When someone recognizes you in a grocery store

nod briefly and become a cabbage.

When someone you haven't seen in ten years

appears at the door,

don't start singing him all your new songs.

You will never catch up.

Walk around feeling like a leaf.

Know you could tumble any second.

Then decide what to do with your time.

Listen to Naomi Shihab Nye reading this poem

About Naomi Shihab Nye poets.org

Trees at Silver Lake, California. July 2025

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