YOU DIDN’T COME HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME by Julie Mannell
If I am angry I am eager to say I’m sorry.
Good morning. We are back again with another incredible poem, still celebrating the new issue of Be About It zine! The theme is “late” and so is the delivery, and so are the rollouts of featured pieces in the zine. Time management has always been an issue for me, but since having a child it’s only gotten worse. Thank you for bearing with me.
You can get yourself a copy of the zine here while supplies last (there are only two copies left until I do a reprint!). Please enjoy this poem from Julie Mannell.
YOU DIDN’T COME HOME FOR THE FIRST TIME
I should be more forgiving but I know what happens
behind closed doors on the other end of town. I do
tend towards attrition afterwards: this foul mouth,
this skilled choreography of curse words. I know
better & will text you later, when my teeth retract
back into the soft gum. You didn't say you loved me
but you looked like you wanted to. It isn’t fair to live
in another person’s lie. It isn’t kind to ask me to wait
when I have always been waiting. If I am angry I am
eager to say I’m sorry. It’s juvenile to judge the nights
by their lovers. There is wind, the screen, & the light
is still on because somebody somewhere is knocking.