Long time, no see! I’ve been experimenting with a new type of poem to get me writing again, which is a response to a song. This one is a response to “Emily, I’m Sorry” by boygenius, but obviously personalized a bit. It’s been helpful to have a sort of format to base a poem off of (song lyrics), even though it sort of feels like cheating. I wanted to share this one to get some feedback, and for the boygenius fans, because I know there are many who may be reading this. I’m not sure if I’ll keep writing these song response poems, but they have been a good way to get me back into my groove.
In the car, pretending to sleep
Or trying to count the sheep
I’m nowhere close, the wine was cheap
Only drunk on sunkissed skin
We’re driving home from some old ghost town
Sweating in striped button-downs
Wrote you a poem, recklessly profound
Didn’t stop you from loving her
Adeline, I’m selfish, but I’ll
Watch you fall and kiss your open wounds
And I can’t see myself desiring
Anything outside of you
You told me once your eyes are true
But you’re melting down, sweet like honeydew
Reassuring me you don’t need shiny shoes
But your words lost all their weight
We should take some time in our hometowns
Maybe your sister will talk you down
I won’t say what you want to hear
Keep lying through your teeth
Adeline, I won’t regret you
Taught me how to mend my own heart
And I can see myself yearning for
Somebody who loves me first, so
Adeline, leave me, could we
Take some time to find out who we are?
Twenty two, and I don’t know who you are
But I’ve got to be alone on this walk
Adeline, I’m walking
Adeline, I’m going
I’m sorry
-B