apart to-gether

i worry that
if i don't take
control

of the conversation

you'll plague me
again
you'll fool me
again

you'll trick me into
believing

that your way is right

i do have
the greatest sympathy
for you

even though
you hate my mercies
even though
you push away
my comfort

even though
you strike at any
help
i give

i think good of you
still
and boost you
to the others

as they turn an
unwilling ear

the words sear
in my throat

but i persist

God knows why
at this point

(deny)