As a child, I tossed rocks at the birds in the backyard;
Laughing with my friends, aiming to hit them.
After so many misses, I never expected contact.

I slumped over to the tiny motionless animal,
Stared down at the carcass,
and swore, through tears, that I didn’t mean to.

Just like that moment

With your crushed heart in my hand,
Sorry does not mean anything;
I know.

I swear I didn’t mean to.