Three Sisters - Josh Tillman

Three sisters

Came to me last night

Last night

They said, «There's a boat

On the shore

A gas lantern and one oar

For your trip

Go home

And tell your mother don’t

Don’t weep for me

Leave everything you have there

For beasts of the field and birds of the air

To trample and steal.»

«Three sisters

Tell me what you’re called

You’re named by men.»

«Want of love,»

Said the first

«The most noble aim on Earth

And I am known by all.»

«Want of wealth,»

Said the next

«So your work’s not meaningless

And I am loved by most.»

«Want of none,»

Said the third

As her sisters' faces turned

And they seemed to forget me

«With one of us

You must sail

It’s always been and always will

Though no one’s ever told you.»

«My mother lived alone

So I have no need of love

And I have no wish to conquer man

I see no need for needy friends.»

The sisters laughed

«There's truly nothing that you need

You won’t miss us when we leave,»

And I had cast them out

To the boat I was led

As we approached, I turned and said «Wait …

I need some oil.»

I said, «To light the lamp

I need some oil

To steer the boat I need two oars.»

The sisters said, «Money can buy you oil

And a friend can man an oar.»