To forgive you
and what…
forget my beaten heart

But I cannot stand
with you
the same way

Last time we stood
together
you buckled my knees

And the weakest response
shifts the focus
rejects the focus

To forgive you
I will not
that is me, doing that

Our commonness
is full of holes
and torn and bloody

The thing we hold the dearest
lays untouched
in ultimate hope

I will not forgive you
ever
ever

I will carry your blows
all places
and in my silent sleep

I will carry your blows
and they will inform me
naked of obligation

I am more fierce because
your blows
forced me to know myself

Forgive,
they say…
Forgive.

Heal, I say
Heal
But do not forgive.