Tag: literature

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

If you like this poem, you’ll love the poems in my new book…

Tags art, Books, Connecticut Poet, Jen Payne, literature, Memoir, Poetry, poetry as memoir, reading, Sleeping with Ghosts, Writing

Creativity Poetry

London Calling: A Dream

He’s talking about London,
shows me his collection of
vintage rock and roll posters,
slides close to tell me his stories
and his warm breath stirs me
despite what I’ve learned
about this kind of trespass,
so I lean in for a while
listen up close
and pretend I have every right
I deserve this
I need this
press up against the idea
until the alarm goes off
for a fourth or fifth time
and I have to shake off the thought
that slow delicious thought
and start the day.