a whisper

It begins with
a whisper

an upturned nose at the dust on the surface
Oh, I meant to…
but you didn’t

I survey the field and see all the criticisms before he has a chance
I react with internal self-flagellation
it’s better than the crack of a spoon or a belt, I think.

I can’t believe he said that
it’s not your fault

he’s going to tell everyone that I…
but why does that matter

do his views reflect on me?
it’s not your fault

I am doing it all wrong
he is not right

I should have said, done, felt…
he is not your fault

He is disappointed in me
I am not enough
You are enough
He is disappointing you

He is not so far out of reach, after all