Tozerboy

Below is an old favorite of mine by the late Raymond Carver. 

In the Year 2020

Which of us will be left then –
old, dazed, unclear –
but willing to talk about our dead friends?
Talk and talk, like an old faucet leaking.
So that the young ones,
respectful, touchingly curious,
will find themselves stirred
by the recollections.
By the very mention of this name
or that name, and what we did together.
(As we were respectful, but curious
and excited, to hear someone tell
about the illustrious dead ahead of us.)
Of which of us will they say
to their friends,
he knew so and so! he was friends with ______
and they spent time together.
He was at that big party.
Everyone was there. They celebrated
and danced until dawn. They put their arms
around each other and danced
until the sun came up.
Now they’re all gone.
Of which of us will it be said –
he knew them? Shook hands with them
and embraced them, stayed overnight
in their warm houses. Loved them!

Friends, I do love you, it’s true.
And I hope I’m lucky enough, privileged enough,
to live on and bear witness.
Believe me, I’ll say only the most
glorious things about you and our time here!
For the survivor there has to be something
to look forward to. Growing old,
losing everything and everybody.