I was today years old
when I finally decided
that talking is pointless
and coaching your lover
brings little reprieve

It took me a while
to think that maybe
we need more than skills
we need grace
and forgiveness

For all have sinned
and fallen short
though I thought
I told you exactly
where the mark was

But who am I
to hold up
To say that
I am done trying
for barren grey

Call me a fool
I know I raise
the red flags
in frantic search of
the white ones

A child knocked
and said he’d lost
his silver molar
I thought about saying
I’d email the tooth fairy

Love isn’t supposed
to be a band-aid
but in this case
seems like clearly
the only way back to sanity