Why Some People Read Poetry

(After W.S. Merwin)
Because you know already if you didn’t
you would have to make that appointment
which means you would have to spend a lot
of time talking, not to mention money you do not
have, to someone who will not be listening
or listening without hearing, maybe hearing
without understanding, and what good would
that do to you if you were not even heard
like that mad man shouting across the road
stumbling then not moving after falling; God
knows it is past midnight, you are driving fast
alone to get home then hitting something, lost
in a strange part of town looking for help, mugged
by some crazy buggers who leave you for dead