This Is a Pantoum, Daniel

I sent my friend Daniel a poem and he asked its form. About a month ago I couldn't stop reading this poem below which we published in Agni. I based my poem heavily upon this one. It's in the form of a Pantoum.


Pantoum: But You Are Gone
Richard Hoffman

i.m. RJH 1950 –1972

I thought for a long time
if I was very quiet
for a long time
I might recall your voice.

If I was very quiet
I might long for you so long
I might recall your voice
as if my ear could sift the wind.

I might long for you so long,
for words you had spoken,
as if my ear could sift the wind
for things you said,

for words you had spoken,
that if I searched my memory
for things you said,
I might find you again;

that if I searched my memory
for a long time,
I might find you again
I thought for a long time.