Well, I can’t say
you didn’t warn me.
You told me you were just being friendly,
that you were so good
at feigning interest
and boys were so used
to getting the wrong idea.
You provided me ample access
to accurate information in advance of my…
accident?
That’s not the word.
Erroneous assumption?
That’s it.

I misunderstood.
I picked up the wrong signals
the ones I wanted to read.
I thought something was happening
when obviously
I was incorrect.
No one can be blamed
but me
for the mistakes I’ve made.
You just were so perfectly kind.
I’m not used to that.

I wish
I had understood better
what you meant
when you said
I should reach for the stars
when all I saw
that seemed to apply
was your celestial smile.