Confessions Of A Failed Diplomat Poem by Raj Dronamraju

I don't know when exactly your hand slipped from mine
Your arm and body no longer clinging to mine
Falling back into the sea
I caught a glimpse of your head slipping beneath the water
Where were you when negotiations broke down?

Now I live off the earnings of an older woman
And tell my story to anyone who will listen
Global postings form the material for a gifted raconteur
Tales from the bargaining table
She said "what do you have to offer? "
And I said "nothing"

Shot off a flare for a rescue party that's not coming
There will be celebrations across this regressing country
Victorious hands tearing down all the posters and banners
While the expelled former leaders hide in basements and the country
The two sides couldn't agree on any of the original points
I broke every truce with the one I love