Memories

I was angry and wasn't
grown woman enough
to articulate my feelings

I punished him with my silence
He wasn't punished
He was grateful for the quiet

Peppermint tea was his favorite
I held the handle
as I handed him the cup

You are a coward
I told myself
A scardicat
Afraid to use your words
What good is all your poetry
if you can't even say

I do not like you anymore

So what
I told myself

I was glad to hear him wince
as he burned his fingers
on the glass

I'm sorry
I said

Knowing all along