an error in judgment, something slight
like not returning phone calls on time.

you didn’t think you lost your way,
and if anything, you practiced efficiency.

misspell another name, let it out your
large dry mouth – one syllable off.

it’s okay to hang up on those without pockets,
and lime green shoelaces don’t count.

I’m sorry these are the things that
you didn’t come to hear this morning.

you’re sorry for waxy penalties
traveling down what’s left of a wall.

whatever agreement we sign on,
whichever streets we’d like to avoid.

telling me how you thought I was perfect,
and how that all ended when rent went unpaid.

I would like for you to forget, walk
along brighter lines, and breathe in the rain.

you want what your words don’t describe
so I find myself afraid to simply ask.

Cat No. 105 of the 500 Cats Project