an apology poem

because you were a myth to me

an origin story and a confusing one 

I rewrite to untangle 

here is another poem about you

because when I reached back in time

and tapped your cheek, you weren’t

supposed to turn and look at me with 

palms open kindness; I was a gorgon

because if I wasn’t a gorgon what was I

what were we? me fleeing

the panic of not understanding 

myself /you /myself 

because I had no answers you asked  

no questions we both chased and 

followed; neither lighthouse nor ship

just waves crashing

because the thrill of falling 

because I knew two truths 

one hand and the other, a scale 

tipping, tipping, side to side 

because you live there tidal pools

filling, draining; shelter and revelation 

and I am roots in one direction

waiting growing waiting