The Girl I Saved
The girl I saved has probably forgotten me though once
In an accidental meeting she thanked me for what I had done
Truly until this moment I had forgotten her
Forgotten her then as well and not knowing what I had done
I had once been her teacher one of many
And had apparently stumbled on the right words
While she dangled over the cliff of life
That is how one serves I imagined unaware innocent of
One’s actions just doing something that turns out to help
No formula or plan or intention a modest seizing of the day
When we last met she had a young child and a calm young life
She gave me credit for having brought it about
I did not quarrel was somewhat proud took and savored the praise
We went on with our lives independent of each other
Until this moment had forgotten her as she no doubt me
I had been reading some playful poems about one’s death
Written I suspect by people who think themselves immortal
Death tourists hiding the truth from themselves
As they fancy themselves authentically Vallejo
This is when I remembered her and what she claimed I had done
Pulled her out of deep despair bringing her back from the edge
Setting things right with words of fortunate provenance
It was a reassuring memory to know that I who then as now
Had been on my own edge had had the wherewithal to save her
I think we keep ourselves alive by keeping others alive
Or some such fragile illusion
10/12-10/13/10
Copyright 2010 by Maurice Leiter
Posted with permission.
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