Because you stand still long enough to gather the finest moss.
Because you stand.
Because you roll.
Because you rolled 197 topping all competitors at Neptune Lanes.
Because you’re Stan the Man.
Because we had lunch at Lupa on Thompson just off Houston.
Because we had lunch at Lupa on Thompson just off Houston.
Because you know Irwin Shaw and forgot to tell him.
Because you are a bronze satyr.
Because of Wystan.
Because of César Vallejo
Because one Stanley deserves another
Because if you’re Stanley I’m a living stone
Because of Kunitz and Moss
Because the angel was wrong but angelic
Because it’s better to be angelic than right
Because when you were 82 it was fifteen years ago. Just think of it.
Because of European painting.
Because of Rome and Barcelona.
Because there are ninety-seven bottles of beer on the wall.
Because I’m just getting started.
Because God breaketh not all men’s hearts alike.
Because I believe in God.
Because 81% of Americans believe in god.
Because of what happens if you put “only” before “81%”: in that sentence.
Because I capitalize the God I believe in.
Because of the history of color.
Because of the intelligence of clouds.
Because you speaketh the truth.
Because of your stance, Stan.
Because of Yale and the Navy.
Because very few poets were born during the summer solstice.
Because your ideal age is 32.
Because I could devote 65 more lines to celebrate your birthday.
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Author: The Best American Poetry
