2011 Issue - Santa Fe Community College

God.
I took it to your office and, because I did not know your name,
Described you to the secretary. She must have thought
I was a fool. But worse than this was not folding down the corners.
I knew that she would read the note and twinkle when she
handed it to you.
God.
Thank God I didn’t return and take it back.
You must have been annoyed and hated me.
Perhaps you were merely being sociable and never
Intended friendship. Perhaps you have a lover
With whom you’re planning revenge with bricks or rumors.
I feel like Michael Henchard. I wished to know you, Tom
(Your name, she said), but I am shy (one other time
I left a note on the windshield of a neighbor’s car)
Who now wants only to explain. If ever you have overstepped,
Then next time we pass please let me tell you everything.
Santa Fe Literary Review 69