Sharon Dolin

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Three Poems from “A Manual for Living”

APPROACH LIFE AS IF IT WERE A BANQUET

Your rightful portion averts your ireful potion:
Caress what can’ t be blessed, cup shadows under breasts.

Let pass what’ s out of   ken: lover, job, riches,
a ripe peach
until it reaches you.

Bring salt for your honey, lime for your grenadine.
Money’ s not your fault.

You’ re a feathered peahen
preening for marzipan men.