It came on me out of the blue
after seven years (only
it wasn’t an itch).
One careless thing he said
about a third party, and suddenly
I heard clearly at last his utter
lack of compassion.
I heard the way
he always justifies.
I understood in a flash,
as if explained in great detail,
the game he is locked into
and does not wish to stop.
All that in an instant.
On the instant,
I put down the phone.
It was unpremeditated but
if I’d had a deliberate thought
it might have been, ‘I’m done.’
I ran out of puff just like that —
out of anything more to give him.
No, I don’t think
I behaved well.
I’ve tried to explain.
I‘ve apologised, I’ve reasoned.
His recriminations go on and on.
I know it hurt. I didn’t mean or expect
to end our long, fond friendship. However....
April PAD Challenge #8: Rejection
Ouch. I could feel the hurt/pain in this one. And I love the trailing ellipses at the end to "However". Very effective and adds another layer to the poem itself. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! (I wasn't too sure about this one.)
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes we are not the best judge of our own work. I could use myself as an example! lol But "However..." gives the reader a sense of doubt as in "what if the friendship continues?" despite everything of course. At least for me as the reader, it makes me think.
ReplyDeleteThank you again! :)
ReplyDeleteEmotionally intense and well done!
ReplyDelete