Have you heard this poem by William Carlos Williams? This is one of those non-apology apologies. Kind of like a non-denial denial. It says "Forgive Me," but the concensus is that he'd do it again.
This Is Just To Say
I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
Apparently this one of those poems that people like to try to write themselves. Some people spoof it, some are serious. This American Life did a segment on it and was hilarious. My favorite was the one that went something like, This is just to say that I had sex with your sister during the wedding reception... But the cabernet was so sweet and cold... It's in the last section of the show from April 10, 2009 called "Mistakes Were Made" If you fast forward, you'll find it around minute 49.
I was inspired to ask my students to try their own poems. One of them was a break up letter to me, I think. I'll be surprised if I see him in my class again.Here was my favorite:
This is Just to say
by Everest
I'm sorry I didn't take you to the concert
I tried to call
but my phone was not charged
The girl next door is a fan of the band
so I took her along
We had a blast
I'm sure we could of had a blast too.
And now, here's my attempt:
This is just to say
I stabbed your husband’s hand with a knife
it was only a butter knife.
Sorry, but his hand was reaching for the last brownie
and that hand,
so recently smacked away from my ass,
did not deserve the moist chocolate - too.
So, how 'bout it? Can you write a non-apology apology poem like William Carlos Williams?
10 comments:
This is Just to Say,
by Me.
I'm sorry,
If only I were a writer,
I would say something so witty
and so true, as you,
But thus I am only a reader
and a fan
as such, I am so very happy.
I'm sorry.
If ever I tell you I love you
Assume I’m drunk
The end
Just found your blog. Hope you don't mind if I vist from time-to-time.
Audubon Ron welcome anytime. I think you jumped right to the heart of male/female relationships.
Anonymous, the most poetic words I've heard from a "non writer." Perhaps you should reassess
Sorry kids.
I ate the half gallon of ice cream, I confess.
But you’re still growing.
See, Dad does love you
My mind is blank but I enjoy reading them-very creative.
I'm sorry
My mind drifted
while you were enumerating todays faults for me
and I listened instead
to the sound
of an ex-boyfriend
across 2000 miles
and 25 years
reminding me
of what he loved about me
telling me
I am still the cool chick
and begging for a kiss
he can never have
settling for an I Love You
before he goes to bed
and meaning it.
So can you repeat for me again
what is so wrong with me
Maybe this time it will stick
OMG! I love it.
This is Just To Say
The Littlest one gave me a mood ring
Sapphire Blue,
Royal Purple
Green
Calm
Sensual
"normal"
Apparently there is not a color
that lets me listen to your
ravings, ramblings,
silences.
Just to say
I can't help you with that
Try me one day IF I take it off
yeah, I ate the plums
what of it?
they were in the icebox
which, last time I checked
did not have your name on it
you only want them
because they are gone
sorr-eeee,
they weren't that good anyway
Im soooo enjoying reading these. They are absolutely terrific and so much fun.
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