I didn’t go to your party because I hate you.
I didn’t go to your party because you stink.
I didn’t go to your party because the people that you like
are not the people I like
…at least, not since you decided
that the people you like
– like like –
no longer includes me
and they all liked that
just fine.

I didn’t go to your party because I had better things to do.
I didn’t go to your party since I had a cold.
I didn’t go to your party, though I thought about it
for a long long time
and even bought the spray paint and ipecac
just in case
the party needed some
livening.
I didn’t go to your party because I thought better of it.

I did not go to your party last night
or last week
or last month
and probably won’t go again
to any of the many many MANY
events you insist on hosting
despite your parents’, room-mates’, and landlord’s insistence
for quite some time to come.

I did not feel the need.
I do not have the urge
I have not found
the stomach
for quite such an affair
again.

I didn’t go to your party last night
because
I never received an invitation..