Somehow the sharp words slip out

like a killing star

slicing the moment

that was filled with ordinary talk.

And they look back and wonder

what mine they had stepped on

What caused this

which crumbles their brazen ways

and dissolves in their eyes

as they look away.

You lurk by their door

You wish

To enter and be absolved

of their wrong and yours

You wish

To free the knot

held tight behind your eyes

You wish

To swallow the anger

you hold in your hands

You wish

the gift of forgiving

when it doesn’t matter who asks first.

–– Louella Dizon San Juan