I didn't know

until I looked back


how much damage

I shared with other


members of my family

who are these people


and what were we to each other

that we're here now with our familiar


and recognizable aches? what do we

owe each other?


whose to say? we engage with each other

alternately pinning each other to the mat


and you did or you didn't or fuck you

it's all your fault and no one's to blame


and everyone's to blame and oh shit leave it be

so many of us leave it behind in the ruins of our lives


let god rifle through the trash and find things

with which to punish us


we've moved on and so have those who've harmed us

and all get what's coming to them anyway








Content (c) 2008-2015 Philip Milito.