Step 9 Retrograde

Written by Allegra Parks

I forgive you for dying

A little inside when the fantasy withered

For not having the working memory

To cook eggs and waffles concurrently

I forgive you for plunging your hands

Into the hill of perfect flour

Before baking

For “Stop! I want it!”

your favorite slogan

I forgive you for dreaming of more bloody

Childbirths, slow mo all

You ever needed

Symbiosis separation reunion, repeat

For painting

His nails while he slept

For forgetting to put oil in the car

It burst into flames on route 29

I forgive you for not fathoming

Suicide threats can be fatal

Despite your mother, her deadness clear

I forgive you your brightness

Its shine accidentally blinding children

I forgive you

For using Jameson to quit

Heroin and heroin to quit

Jameson

For failing

To simply listen

To birds

Wishes

To the slick loop of time itself