When my daughter called
and told me the news
that Ira was dead
I did NOT cry

I told myself
I was in shock

I would indeed cry
I was excluded from the funeral

Ira raised me
He was my cousin
and I loved him

He took care of me

He told me to be careful
when I crossed streets

Told me to be wary
of strangers
(especially Phillip Roth)

Ira thought He was weird

Ira told me that I could cry
but do it in private

so I listened
Hurt feelings?
Went home and cried

Ira taught me well

It's been months
....
and I still have not cried
...for Ira

I loved Ira
I loved him;
but in the end

NOTHING

I've NEVER been so hurt
in my life

Maybe Ira is just not worth
crying for

12/13/2020