going to press send

 when you wrote:
 i would never use these words
 to describe you
 not even if i was looking for the worst

 i took your words
 to substitute my own and hoped
 you'd promise a new one

 for every self-deprecation
 every disappointment
 every reflection of shame

 listen

 i had no words of mercy
 i'd never blessed and forgiven
 myself

 so when i replied
 there was no love in it