forgive me

the ones who love us most are the ones who know how to hurt us, but don't

forgive me
for the careless words
that flow unfiltered from my tongue
unnoticed until I look at you
and realize how stupid
I’ve been

forgive me
for bouts with temper
that well up at uncertain intervals
to flood the dinner table
with hurt—I hate to see
the pain I’ve put in
your eyes

forgive me
for knowing just where
to poke. where it would hurt
the most—we both know
all our sensitive places.
the burden of long
acquaintance

forgive me
for being too certain
of your love be careful--
the courtesy I would give any stranger--
if I wasn’t sure you’d always be
there, I’d never risk us
the way I do