Variations on a Theme by William Carlos Williams

Thank You and Other Poems (1962)

1

I chopped down the house that you had been saving to live in next summer.I am sorry, but it was morning, and I had nothing to doand its wooden beams were so inviting.

2

We laughed at the hollyhocks togetherand then I sprayed them with lye.Forgive me. I simply do not know what I am doing.

3

I gave away the money that you had been saving to live on for thenext ten years.The man who asked for it was shabbyand the firm March wind on the porch was so juicy and cold.

4

Last evening we went dancing and I broke your leg.Forgive me. I was clumsy andI wanted you here in the wards, where I am the doctor!