Student Publishing Program ::

Sophie Dulberg

Sorry I Can’t Say

Words drip from my mouth
Like molasses,
But come out
Chopped up
Like pieces of fruit.

I try to tell you,
But can’t.
Words don’t grow
Like apples on trees.
Mixed up before
Leaving my mouth,
Like a babbling baby
Just learning to speak.

Broken wings
Try to flee my lips,
Their humble nest,
But don’t.

I’m sorry for that.
I’m sorry for the words
That do escape.

I complain.
Everything I do is wrong.
Words leap
Through frustrated teeth.
What is meant
Remains hidden
Behind closed doors.
They won’t budge
Words bang,
Screaming to be heard.

I remind you of yourself.
Despite eagerness to be right,
We are wrong for trying.

------------------------------------------------

We are not perfect.
We both slouch,
Backs curved,
As if we don’t belong
To the human race.

I know you want me to be better,
My imperfections are many,
But please accept me as I am
Because, like you, I’m flawed.

I apologize
For expecting you to understand
My broken words.

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2013 EDITION]