I: Dad
I, probably, should have
Apologized
Two or three times before.
Life moves so fast
And I, well,
I grew up
And moved on
And simply just forgot.
I’m sorry I took down
My pigtails
And ripped off
The streamers from my bike.
I’m sorry I let the world
tell me who to be.
I’m sorry
I’m no longer your little girl.
I fear –
I’m no longer me.

II: God
Thousands of years before me
You laid out the rules
And I, a simple know-it-all,
Have done what should never be done.
I used your commandments
As a checklist.
I’ve lied, sworn, idolized, cheated, stolen ….
I’ve made my mother cry
I’ve made my father turn away.
Thou shall not murder
Does it count if it’s me?
I’m running away
You’ll find me hanging
But not hanging on.
I won’t sin anymore
I’m sorry.

III: Two-Year-Old Me
I’m sorry for damaging
Your porcelain skin.
I’m sorry for cutting off your hair
And dyeing it over and over and over
Trying to change
I’m sorry I wasn’t good enough
I’m sorry I didn’t laugh that often
And I’m sorry I loved too much.
I’m sorry I forgot to protect you
I’m sorry I forgot to love you
I’m sorry I forgot to remember you.