I Should Offend Today Poem by L C Vieira

There may not be tomorrow.
I should offend you on this day,
instead, I dread, offend forever.

Patient pursuit,
or crawl away?

I sit apart, half-listening,
careful - that unwelcomed path,
avoiding (afraid?)
polite (correct?)
restrained (chained?)

praying and not praying
for that perfect moment -

but it is here -
and now -
it's gone.

If I love, I must speak
this day
the truth you missed,
my reluctant gift
- for you.