when you say "no" and he says "please" SAY IT LOUDER
when you say "drive me home" and he says "five minutes" SAY IT AGAIN
when you say "no" and he says "just once" LEAVE
when you say "no" and he says "nobody has to know" SAY GO **** YOURSELF
when you say "no" and he says "but i bought you dinner" GET OUT OF THE CAR
when you say "no" and he says "yes" SAY NO

when you say no, SAY IT LOUDER, SAY IT AGAIN, LEAVE, GO **** YOURSELF, GET OUT OF THE CAR, NO

No.

I just wish I could make you understand
but words are words so I guess I can’t.

© Matthew Harlovic

I wonder if my friends saw you at prom last night,
parading around with your new boyfriend.
I’m sure all stink eyes were on you two,
but you always seemed to like that attention.
I thought you would accompany me to the dance
this year, but you chose to find your own company.
I thought this prom would make up for the one
I never went to, but you didn’t give me the chance.
I know you remember my prom night
because you were there and so was your little brother.
I chose to hang out with you, my best friend,
and go to a movie instead. Though when the talk
about the wonders of prom rolled around, I knew
it meant a lot to you and so I promised to take you,
but I see that my promise will remain unfulfilled.

© Matthew Harlovic