I. The Employee

I said I knew
what to do
and I did
know, too, to

accept the shit
you served me
on the platter
you called truth,

ingest it full
and thank you
for giving
me my due;
            ask for reprisal.

II. The Friend

But I could not
carry through
with my plan,
missed my cue

to bow out, say
farewell my

Fair-weather friend
and adieu.

I chose instead
to love you,
stay through pain,
thick milieu
            of your denial.

III. The Woman I Am

We are friends, have
always been.
Could we be this,
more again

If you let go
of the lie,
loose those chains and
live, let die

unrooted things?
Choose to make
a better start.
What’s at stake?
            My trust’s survival.