Filled with apologies
pooled on your tongue
blurted out into the air
without an ounce of meaning–
because your mouth
is full of them.
As if embedded in you
like mercury in
fatty tuna flesh,
you can’t even say
what you’re sorry for
just that you think
you should be.
Feeling apologetic
you’ll say anything to be forgiven
to be rid of feeling anything but
adoration;
what a waste it is
to impress
a proud person.
The first person who died from
rhubarb’s poisonous leaves
probably thought that no good
could come from this
and now, centuries later,
we learned from those mistakes
and we make pie from the stalks instead.
elleguyence 
Up all night (and writing a review for my blog) and–bonk!– this was the first e-mail I got today—lucky me, once again, to have Sunday started with one of your gems. Thanx & Cheers, Mark
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Always happy to hear your words, Mark! Thank you. 🙂
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it’s funny, I’ve had rhubarb on my mind all weekend.
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Absolutely love this! The way you paint an image of a toxic, self-obsessed person with the first three stanzas, then that last stanza–so subtle yet powerful, symbolic and poetic. Very well written Elle! ❤
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You’re too kind! Thank you.
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Another winner, Elle! Your mind comes forth with one gem after another. Well-written and with many persuasive thoughts incorporated into a poem with so much meaning. Deep meanings dredged up from the heart of someone that understands human nature and emotions. Beautiful and I love it. Stan
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Thank you Stan! Hearing such praise from a writer like you is such a high esteem for me. I appreciate it!
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Like mercury in fatty tuna flesh !! You are awesome, this is great 👍❤
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Thank you Jim! 🙂
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I look forward to reading your poems. Once again, you are balm for the soul.
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Balm for the soul! Thank you so much for that.
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Another philosophical gem. Yes, impressing the proud only makes them worse.
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Reblogged this on davidbruceblog #1 and commented:
I like the positive conclusion.
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I always look forward to your weekly posts, Elle! The last verse in this poem is especially thought-provoking: it makes me wonder if any of my countless mistakes will have unintended, positive consequences in the future. Given the sheer abundance of my past mistakes, the odds are good!
I need to find some random leaves to eat…
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Hahaha thank you for commenting! Who knows how many of our mistakes have amounted to anything.
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Wonderful, Elle! Nobody wants a fauxpology. I’d rather someone not say anything at all, but important actions can speak louder than words so show you’re truly sorry by making a change.
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Wow, Elle. Such power. Cheers. 🙂
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(you can’t even say
what you’re sorry for
just that you think
you should be.)
AND those words happen all too many times rolling off tongues of deceivers . I felt this in so many ways. very well written and penned precious Elle!! your words will live on long after time! xoxo
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You’re so sweet to me, thank you!!
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You’re very welcome xoxo
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Wowser! Such a relevant piece in today’s world! Loved it!
“Feeling apologetic
you’ll say anything to be forgiven
to be rid of feeling anything but
adoration;
what a waste it is
to impress
a proud person.”
These lines have personal significance for me. Thank you.
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Woa. Love this
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“As if embedded in you / like mercury in / fatty tuna flesh” — great.
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“Pooled on your tongue”. Woah! Great work, Elle!
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