Scott Simpson · Poetry

The Things We Don’t Say

Use For Kindling · source pages 32

The original line breaks, stanza spacing, and placement are preserved. Long lines scroll horizontally.

Source page 32

I always announce

when I leave the room—

just to use the bathroom.

I want you to know

I’m not upset.

Not walking out

on something

you said.

It’s a habit

no one asked for,

but somehow

it’s become

a kindness.

These are the things

we carry—

too much information,

maybe,

but offered

like a loaf of bread.