Forgiveness is a Dish Best Served (Naked) [by Sean Speers]

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August 04, 2017

Forgiveness is a Dish Best Served (Naked) [by Sean Speers]

Sure as she’s a Catholic she’s sure
of herself. I’m sure my life is
fraying like shoestrings minus aglet except you

wear shoes that slide or buckle. There’s nothing
I’m sure I wouldn’t do. Sure, you’re beautiful,
but that’s not it. Isn’t it? Your guilt runs over

There’s enough to cobble gods with
plenty left over for a hair shirt or two. Lie
down in green plaid skirts; draw a bath

of still water. Then forgive me—do you
have that power? If I could ever forgive myself
I wouldn’t.

Posted by The Best American Poetry on August 04, 2017 at 08:52 PM in Feature, Poems | Permalink

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"Lively and affectionate" Publishers Weekly

Radio

I left it
on when I
left the house
for the pleasure
of coming back
ten hours later
to the greatness
of Teddy Wilson
"After You've Gone"
on the piano
in the corner
of the bedroom
as I enter
in the dark

from New and Selected Poems by David Lehman