Mea Culpa

Because I know too much
you look like her,
so instead of blaring my horn
I stop and smile
and let you pull out
into the crowded lot
in front of me

You’re sweet and
apologetic in gestures,
so I smile even more and nod
because I know too much,
and I owe you —
or her —
a thousand kindnesses
in place of apologies
that have long since
gathered dust
in the corner of
both our stories

Because I know too much
about your suspicions
and my jealousies,
your patience
and mine,
I think this gesture now
in this parking lot
with this stranger
might be atonement,
might be appreciation —
or love —
a precious light
in the shadows
of our shared secret