We have not discussed this
but you should know that
there are specific ways
in which I can be easily
moved to impulse;
for example,
let’s say you tell me
something about myself
that I know is true
but refuse to admit:
something pleasing
or desirable will do it
most strongly
as I tell on my mistakes
and flaws readily,
almost glorying
in the one-sided frankness
of agreeing with others
about my faults and failures.
With this admission
and your compliment
I am now moved to create
a disaster of myself
that will end my appeal: see,
I told you I was a problem
and you didn’t listen. That’s
not on you but on me.
What a world
you live in
that you encountered
me and thought I was
worthy.