I’ve walked past his words
as they’re all I’ve heard. And the echoes
of them bounce off my wall
like a ping-pong ball.

I can’t say
I’ve forgiven him. I carry
this as a turtle carries
their shell. But it doesn’t protect
me. Can't you tell?

I can’t say
I’ve moved forward. I’m a pawn
on the chess table. A piece is able
to knock me off.

I can’t say
I’m holding up. I’m a paper
cup. I'm soggy. I can’t
wash the blues. Pulled from a stack –
not made to last. I lose.