The old couple are weeding
Side by side in the garden,
Their dog right behind them
Wagging his tail eager to help.
Living in complete ignorance
Of what goes on in the world
Is the well-guarded secret
Of their lifelong happiness.
Sleepwalkers in love, watch them
Reach for each other’s hand
When their day’s work is done,
Pure as angels and proud as devils.
—Charles Simic
Charles Simic’s poem in this issue will appear in his new book, Come Closer and Listen, due out from Ecco Press later in 2019.
