manuel of la brea

28

i knew you had a problem

I knew you had a problem,
yet you went and snuck in,
leaving your aunt, waiting in the triage,
for a woman who wears fishnet gloves.

I knew you had a problem,
yet you did your best to put on
your black sweaters and shorts,
and ripped off high-knee socks.

I knew you had a problem,
yet you didn’t miss the mark
and met me at the cafeteria
like some undercover thing.

I knew you had a problem,
yet you pulled off an emo outfit,
caught me in your arms,
and didn’t let me go.

I knew you had a problem,
yet the first sentence you uttered
was “I’ve missed you so much,”
and I realized that you were the one.