Ink and Dash

After the form of William Carlos Williams in his poem This Is Just To Say.

This is just to say…

1. 
This is just to say...

I have ignited the roof of the apartment building
That was under construction
on Lakeshore Avenue

And which you were
Probably saving
For highly profitable sale.

Forgive me.
It was Saturday morning
So hot,
and so unpleasant.*


2.
This is just to say...

I have spent 
all the bitcoin.
That was in 
your account, 

And which
you were probably
saving 
for the economy crash.

Forgive me
It felt exciting:
so instantaneous
and so intangible


3.
This is just to say...

I have helped myself
to the liqueur,
That was in 
your cabinet.

Which you were
probably
saving for
after your business trip.

Forgive me
You were out of town,
They were so visible,
And so unattended. 


4.
This is just to say...

I have exceeded 
the monthly data usage 
on your smartphone, 

Which you were
probably saving
for using Google Maps
on your vacation

Forgive me;
The online game was addicting;
so candy, 
and so crush.


5.
This is just to say...

I have stolen
all the ideas
from your manuscripts.

Which you were
probably
saving for 
your debut

Forgive me;
The plot was dramatic
so juicy, and
So original.


6.
This is just to say...

I have reclaimed 
the personal agency 
that you have been
corrupting,

and were 
probably 
planning on dissolving
completely.

Forgive me
I could not relinquish it 
It was too necessary,
And too intrinsic.


7.
This is just to say,

I have reinvigorated 
the self-esteem
you have lowered 

and which
you were probably
hoping to
exploit.

Forgive me;
I am too beautiful,
And too holy
to 
be 
undone.

* From the perspective of the roofing labourer: https://infotel.ca/newsitem/fire-crews-battling-kelowna-structure-fire/it44111. He was working on a saturday, on a blazing summer day, and the briefest second of inattention had drastic consequences. Needless to say, I do not envy this person in this moment.
[This series of poems was created during the Ink & Dash poetry workshops that took place at the Red Couch Gallery in Kelowna, BC in summer 2017. They all utilize the beautiful and playful format taken from William Carlos Williams in his poem This Is Just To Say. The workshops were hosted by myself and the visionary Lesley-Anne Evans. Find her work here: https://laevans.ca/ https://metrocommunity.ca/story/the-red-couch-gallery]