Back Issue Spring 2004

THE MOUNTAIN RECLUSE ASKS HIMSELF A QUESTION

I'm over sixty.

Am I old enough now
to let go of my
young-man,
white-knuckle
grip
on dreams
of fame and fortune,
travel,
strange and beautiful women
who follow me wherever I go?

Am I old enough?

Naw,
not yet.

        -David Budbill

from While We've Still Got Feet,
Copper Canyon Press, 2005

David Budbill lives in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. He is the author of Moment to Moment and Judevine.