Two Ghosts

Response to Elizabeth Bishop's "One Art"

For all we lose, we find another,
when two ghosts fall from all you knew,
but let us know what is no disaster.

When two ghosts have drowned forever,
the sea will bring something new;
keep head over water, try not to falter.

For all we lose, we find another.
Sail in one direction—more forward, leave two
ghosts behind, heads tearing crookedly where

they will float, lonely, to wherever,
leaving you icy, porcelain-blue,
but let us know what is no disaster.

Know they are gone now and will never
leave again. They are two to say you outgrew,
two waves, washed away offshore.

For all we lose, we find another;
like the current that flows east onto
a foreign beach of burning fire,
after you lose two ghosts (you love) forever.