I am sorry
that I have been so quiet
and that I have been so distance
and that I have spoken the truth so infrequently
and that I am mumbling right now.
I am very sorry
about what I’m about to say
and even more sorry
about what you’re about to hear.

What I am want to explain
is going to be hard to take in
for you especially
as you are unused
to receiving hard truths
from me
or anyone who cares about you.

But it’s time
and it’s time for me to take it on
and I wish I could avoid it for longer
and hope that you take it better
than I know you will.
I want this to be over
more than you know.

I want to tell you good things.
I want to tell you lies.
I want to make you happy
instead of what is going to happen
which may well be the polar opposite.

And you’re getting antsy
as I beat around the poles
with this inexact escape
and you wait for me to tell you
what I am so afraid to say.

Please, forgive me.
And remember
I didn’t want to do this
but
that book does make you look fat.