Before You Were a Vampire

Before you were a vampire, we sat
on the porch swing Sunday afternoons,
listening to the radio, through the window.

Before you were a vampire, I thought
I would like to take up cave-diving, or
rock-climbing or anything, just to say I did.

Before you were a vampire, the kids
still found time to visit most holidays.
We spoiled their children greedily.

Before you were a vampire, we talked
about the great vacations we would take
when we retired. Greece. Bali. Cool places.

Before you were a vampire, I was saving
for a refrigerator. We really wanted a new car
but it wouldn’t keep the food cold.

Before you were a vampire, you knew
the names of all the stars in the sky,
and all the people who lived on our street.

Before you were a vampire, I didn’t know
you could reload used shotgun shells with
minced garlic and blessed shrapnel.

Before you were a vampire, we had a dog.


—irving