Give me a word
To interpret my best,
Out here on the sidewalk,
Speed put to the test.
Your face is a picture
Most could misread,
But your choice is an omen
For what you must need.
A busker or beggar—
Some poet at best?
I’m no fortune teller;
I write what I’ve guessed.
Please give me a penny
To start words on my page,
And I’ll let you keep them
For inspiration another day.

A day before workday,
Two before Tues,
Three before Wednesday,
But if I say it, I lose.
Four before Thursday,
By the fifth day it’s near...
It’s the day you do nothing
After play day is here.

The shops are all closed
And make barely a fund, eh?
You can rhyme it with that—
A name I still didn’t say!
The time that’s lit brightly,
Or an ice cream in a cup,
Your hint is that homophone.
If you’re confused, look up!

The sky should be shining,
But sometimes it’s not.
When they gave it that name,
Perhaps that’s what they sought?
Enough of the hints now;
Do you get the word I mean?
It's the day of the week that starts it…
Just check the calendar, I scream!

When I die, don’t look for me in the stars,
Look for me in my words.
Look for me in the books that line the shelves,
The letter “R” and the letter “E—"
And in every word you see them,
Please think of me.

Look for me where I’ve walked
And where I’ve never been.
Look for me in sadness, and I’ll be there...
But look for me in joy, too, won’t you?
Since they’re both so beautiful,
And both so true.

When I die, come look for me here;
Words won’t just disappear.