I wanted to write a poem
for everyone and everything
to say 'I am not
entirely sorry.'

The arguments,
the broken glass,
the women
and their now solemn
ex-boyfriends,
husbands
and fathers.

It has all helped:
Given me the word.
Put me in a place
where I don't have to rhyme
or make over-worded sentimental
metaphorical statements
older than time.

I am fresh.
I present myself -naked,
hiding nothing.
The gut is not ****** in.
No make up.
I present myself
without fear
or falseness.
Just as you should:
the men and women
that became wound up in me,
in one way or another.

It is where you have faltered,
and where you falter
I progress.