For Lewis

Once, when I went to a reading by Lewis Warsh,
The introducer kept speaking of him as “Lew”
“Lew” has written a number of books of poetry
“Lew” is prolific as a fiction writer as well
“Lew” edited two very important series
Of poetry books and magazines
When Lewis got up to read, he said,
“No one has ever called me Lew before”

When I had the honor of introducing him
At Dia (I also had the honor at the Living
Theatre, in the first reading in a new series)
I referred to him, as I do many poets, by
His last name, as a sign of respect

When Lewis got up to read, he said,
“It’s funny to think of oneself as
That last name: Warsh”

Lewis he will always be