He’ll forgive you again
by Rachel “Raych” Jackson
If your relationship is as inconsistent as the radio
driving under viaducts on the way to his house,
it’s not cheating. All exhales carry the same notes if your
eyes are closed. Moan lies, drawn out lies. Convince him
he’s the one responsible for your swell. He cannot
contain you either. Even his shadow looks the same.
A smudge shaped him scrapes the wall in a familiar
motion. You lie on your back & trace the edges
with your thumb. Pray the outline stays until
morning. At least that way he’ll spend the night again.
Rachel “Raych” Jackson is a writer, educator and performer. Her poems have gained over 2 million views on YouTube. She is the 2017 NUPIC Champion and a 2017 Pink Door fellow. Jackson continues to instruct workshops through Poetry Foundation, InsideOut Literary Arts and more. Jackson’s work has been published by many— including Poetry Magazine, The Rumpus, The Shallow Ends, and Washington Square Review. Her debut collection EVEN THE SAINTS AUDITION was recently published through Button Poetry. Her collection won Best New Poetry Collection by a Chicagoan in the Chicago Reader fall of 2019. Jackson currently lives in Chicago.