Understand
Don’t say my name
Because she used to say it, too
And don’t be here, in this way
Next to me
The same way she was
We should stay indoors
I can’t risk seeing the places
Where she and I were citizens together
Perhaps you should close your eyes
So that I won’t catch you seeing me
The way she did
Understand why I read
Write
But never speak
Let go of my hand
It does not belong to you
Or me
Understand that, when I awake
And you find me disappointed
I am innocent
Even when I don’t dream of you
Ignore what I see in every black Nissan Sentra
Every pair of chopsticks
Every 1970s game show
Ignore my temporary daze when I catch the scent
Of orange-flavored Trident
And when you ask me what I’m thinking
Don’t look so cheated and frustrated
When I lie and tell you
I’m not thinking of anything at all.
Leave a Reply