Twenty Years Ago Poem by Dónall Dempsey

I kiss you
on the lips.

You cry.

“That’s how I thought
you would kiss me

20
years ago! ”

“But you never did! ”

“Why...didn’t you! ”

“You were my best friend’s
friend”

“I was only your best friend’s friend
so I could be
near you! ”

“I didn’t...know! ”

“I didn’t know...you didn’t know! ”

“But you
married him! ”

“I know...I know...
but that was just to get back at you
for not kissing me like that! ”

Oh! Her story
of our history

grieves me.

She cries.

Turns to go.

I hold her.

Kiss her.

But she says “No...

you robbed me of my future

20
years ago! ”