That Look. This Blood. Poem by Charles Malcolm

I tried
honestly
for so long.
We had everything in common
but timing and availability.

So much bad blood
now.
That look
cut deeper than these cries.

I'll swing
words
knuckles
and borrowed blades
as I picture those whiskey and saltwater eyes
and the pathetic
single-fingered wave
that you finally gave.

So much blood
now,
and I'm sorry.

I tried
honestly
for as long as I could
just as the blood will continue to pump
for as long as it can.

I'd wonder which would fade first
but it's your reflection that I see
when I look into this pool
and I know.

I tried.
Honestly.