The apologies are admittedly
halfhearted
gathered from the scraps
that hang around
the bottom of the barrel
you know it
and you make the grandiose acceptance
thank you for skipping
the middle man
let's not talk about
my steps
always my lacking
and my nothingness
and my loss

Remember that serious
discussion we had
about cleavage?
Who were we kidding?
We were in love then.

Basically,
says my friend
I'm ashamed to be white.
I nod
I would be too.
We laugh
It's raining on the way
to the airport.
Common is on deck.
My friend shakes his shoulders
to the beat
and sighs.
It sounds resigning.