"It’s been one week since my father died andyou won’t stop talking about your..."

“

It’s been one week since my father died and

you won’t stop talking about your ex-girlfriend–

the one you broke up with six months ago

and never really liked in the first place.

I can feel my heartbeat in my teeth

while I pick at my nails and pretend

I’m listening.

I don’t know how to ask you to help me.

You keep wanting my advice.

I have nothing new to tell you and

I’ve heard this story seven times.

Not so long ago, I watched them put

my father in a body bag.

You never asked if I was alright.

”

- ON BEING THE ONE WHO HELPS EVERYONE ELSE by Ashe Vernon