He came to me and said
I want you to take her.
How can I, I said,
you know I'm not free
and even if I were
doesn't the lady have a vote?
He shook his great head.
She will do what I say;
when I was alive
she never refused me.
How much less will she now
when I am no more,
when my only covering
are the tatters of your dream.

See also:

• The book The Next Bend in the Road by Michael Fried.
• All our books by Michael Fried.
• Our catalog of poetry titles.