Sorry

Sorry –
so much inadequacy
bundled into one word
as if five letters
can convey
depths of regret,
shock, dismay

Seems I am the spark
to your lighter fluid –
unintentional, I swear

Still reeling
from the aftermath
of the explosion

Attempting to
deconstruct the
formula –
precautionary

I am sorry –
that you are enraged,
that you are so obviously disappointed
that you are consumed with resentment –
except, it is sadness, not regret that I feel.

I cannot own this,
was always honest,
forthright,
did not feed your expectations

Besides,
learned long ago –
we don’t have the power
to make anyone
feel anything
least of all,
sorry.

So I’m not sorry,
but maybe
if you could just tell me,
give me an inkling
of what you might need,
I can help us out of this hole.

(Sorry first appeared here 2018. Image my own)

Published by

VJ

Permission to write, paint, and imagine are the gifts I gave myself when chronic illness hit - a fair exchange: being for doing. Relevance is an attitude. Humour essential.

27 thoughts on “Sorry”

  1. That first stanza is perfect, and the indignation jumping out of that image from the ducks fits together well. Yes, we are only responsible for ourselves but we also hope for cooperation. Excellent piece, VJ!

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  3. Oh, VJ, I am so glad I found this post. It dovetails right into my life, reminding me I’m not alone. I thank you for that. Were you perched on my shoulder last week? Each stanza a powerful statement. Spark/lighter fluid…perfect. Sigh. Sadness, not regret. In the end we still offer to help. Beautiful art too!

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