Unrequited Poems

I feel embarrassed to know
You read all those unrequited poems
I wrote for another woman.

I was sick on those memories
For five long years
Before we collided.

And so I burned them all
In a ritual cleansing,
To make space
For something new.

Even if that something new
Is to be just another collection
Of unrequited poems,
At least that would be something.

Reviews

[Kelly Scheppers]

Unrequited poems are the best. They voice angst and pain in a way that most people find difficult to express. You conveyed it well here, John. Most readers I'm sure will attest to you "ritual cleansing"!

[John Fitzgerald]

Agree, they are the best for the reader but not the writer!

[bred Brick Keshner]

Now that has that enviable reflective resonant and highly relatable quality. Poems have been found to be ineffective at purging such emotion but excellent as a conduit to perhaps a hope at catharsis that may assuage but not eradicate thereby require a bonfire at some point in time.

[John Fitzgerald]

Thanks, Red! Means a lot you see a relatable quality in this. It’s always what I most envy in other poetry

[bred Brick Keshner]

I know, right! And find it useless to wish to have written that but obviously didn’t! Good score for you 🙏🏻🕊