The Last Time I Bumped Into Don Murray
by Ralph Fletcher
The last time I bump into Don Murrray
his 83 year old hands were long,
white, blue-veined, tremulous
but strong when we shook hands.
Those hands carried a gun in the war,
and broke up fights between soldiers.
At 50 they signed the legal paper
to take his daughter off life support.
I’d watch him offer a hand to his frail wife,
not to lift her up, as he explained it,
but as a fixed point in the world
she could pull against to stand.
The hands gestured as he talked:
“Even when Minnie Mae was dying
I was able to finish most projects—
I did a lot of writing in my head.”
I pointed at his hand: “You’re bleeding.”
The waitress fetched a Bandaid,
his hands such a river of trembling
he could not manage to unwrap it
so he finally let me do it for him,
more amused than embarrassed,
muttering about new medication,
as I tenderly covered the small wound.
4 Responses
Your poems always go right to the heart, Ralph. I knew a lot about Donald Murray's books on writing. Now, thanks to your poem, I know more about this amazing man.
I have learned from and admired Donald Murphy's work from afar. Authors seem larger than life. Your words provide a window into the real person. Thank you for sharing.
The Dons. I miss them. Such big truths in these little things.
Donald Murray changed my mindset on teaching writing. I was introduced to him during my master's degree that I am currently finishing. This poem made Don Murray the person real, versus Don Murray the incredible intellectual.