Not Today, Old Friend

One hundred indelicate reassurances Coalesce into a single vexing nicety That breaks like a wave of ammonia Against the arch of my contorting brow A warm gesture if nothing else How kind That kindness, no matter how grating That concern, no matter how fleeting That love, no matter how bloodless Has been noted And isn't that what matters? That you've been thanked? Whether or not I even remember your name? That you've been thanked? Whether or not I even remember your name? That you've been thanked? Whether or not I even remember your name? That you've been thanked? Whether or not I even remember your name?