Samuel Menashe

Samuel Menashe was born in New York City in 1925. His most recent book is The Niche Narrows: New and Selected Poems (Talisman House). He will be reading on December 6 at 2 p.m. at the Jefferson Market Library in New York City.

THE SOCIAL LIFE

It is not always easy
To pass the time of day
To nod to an acquaintance
Or find something to say -
Sometimes I look away.

THE NICHE

The niche narrows
Hones one thin
Until his bones
Disclose him