Same Three Words

The first time I meant it like a fire alarm —

I said it and then couldn't eat,

stood in a parking lot in February

checking my phone every four minutes.

Last night I said it from the kitchen doorway

and you said it back without looking up,

your face lit from below like someone

reading instructions on the back of a box.

I meant it. I want to be clear about that.

Just —

differently. The way you mean keep the change

versus the way you mean keep the change.

The same words.

The different rooms they come from.

I ate dinner. You asked about my day.

I said fine, you said fine,

and I kept looking at the side of your face

the way you look at something you're afraid

you're already forgetting.

I don't know what I'm trying to say.

I'm in the bathroom. It's 11pm.

The fan is on. You didn't notice I left.