for J.A., December 3, 1975
Ashes that survive the aftermath of fire
Bury the past bravely, retaining
Only those messages that are least decipherable
And therefore most desirable
To be sung by the bright-eyed few remaining
Voices of our frankly foolish choir.
David Lehman
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-shield-of-a-greeting/
