She talks like she’s been wronged by weather,
by fictional characters,
by everybody but herself.
There’s a way the story comes out polished,
like it’s been told so many times
it forgot it ever had blood in it.
The narrative paints her in a light she needs.
She keeps the parts where she’s clean.
The rest gets edited without honesty.
But the whiteout and scratched-out sentences
are still obvious.
And somehow I’m always the one
with the stain on my hands.
She remembers best.
Every mistake I’ve ever made
sits right there on her tongue,
fresh as if it just happened.
But her side of it—
that part becomes nebulous.
That part softens.
That part learns how to avoid mirrors
and sleep.
We sit in the same room
listening to two versions
of the same silence.
And hers is always the one
that knows how to stand up,
put the mask on,
and walk out unspoiled by repentance.
-
Author:
Thomas W Case (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: June 21st, 2026 08:02
- Comment from author about the poem: A new at-home poetry reading is up—quiet, simple, and straight through a handful of poems, ending with something from an upcoming book. You can watch it here: ▶️ https://youtu.be/ju1LRqLzrqc 📚 https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-W.-Case/author/B0CL2RKDGX?ref=sr
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 33
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Comments10
Our minds are on the same subject Thomas as I am working on a piece similar to yours. This poem speaks in silence but says more than words. An experience more common than not in opinionated society where appearances are important. So well said my friend
Thank you, my friend.
My pleasure Thomas
Certainly dealt with this kind of person before. "She remembers best Every mistake I've ever made" it's easy to hold a mirror when their not the one looking at it right? Great write!
They are everywhere. Thank you.
they are like elephants, dogs, crows and whales ..they never forget .. the one about the goldfish was nowt but an urban myth .. excellent again Thomas ..
Thank you, my friend.
Well written
ty
This resonates
ty
More than words, mirrors are verbatim 🕊️🙏
Yes. Thanks, my friend.
Most welcome dear friend🕊️🙏
Thomas, this hit me hard. There is a raw frustration here that feels earned rather than reactive. That kind of exhaustion that comes from carrying blame long after the verdict has already been handed down...I felt that all the way through. Powerful piece, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Thanks.
A serious write, I'd rather have troubles to attribute it to anything particular, a poetic narrative? confession? reflective writing? All in all, it's very persuasive and really good. Best wishes, my friend.
Thanks
'Listening to two versions of the same silence'.
Great line . Enjoyed.
Thank you.
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