Spell-Checking Memories Poem by Aidan Clevinger

This one was written after I helped a friend out with some - how shall we say? - boy troubles. She really wanted to make a move, but couldn't find the courage, and I thought to myself, 'This poor girl will be trying to block out some of this.' And then I realized that I would be, too, because I was attracted to this friend at the time. We all spell-check memories, I think. It's a safeguard against insanity.

They've been coming on all night, dear,
You won't give them the time of day.
We've been talking on the sidelines
Trying to pick a play.

The night rolls on,
The night rolls on,
You bring out special teams.
But you'll wish you'd played it differently;
Spell-checking memories.

You've got your guy picked out,
Your math is solid and sound.
But your window's quickly closing,
And you're still hanging around.

The night rolls on,
The night rolls on,
You're not as secure as you seem.
You'll keep what you like, forget what you don't;
Spell-checking memories.

Well I've been helping you hunt tonight,
I've been playing devil's advocate.
And I kind of wish you were chasing me,
But I'm not in a position to say it.

The night rolls on,
The night rolls on,
Should I speak up or let things be?
I'm taking out my red pen tonight;
Spell-checking memories.

We're both looking for something new,
And hindsight is twenty-twenty.
You and I will be grading all night;
Spell-checking memories.