101 Poems, Number 4

Favorite Poems Throughout My Life

4: “Promissory Note,” in Strong Is Your Hold (2006), by Galway Kinnell (1927–2014)

“If I die before you”—what a way

To start a poem! There’s no play

In such a line. So dark the day

That such a thought comes in your head—

The thought that you will first be dead—

Before your lover. (Feel the dread.)

But here’s a thought that’s even worse--

Just think another way—rehearse

Your lover’s death. And choose your hearse.

Link to poem.