I appreciate your giving me
the opportunity
to facilitate you in your infidelity.
I appreciate the argument you make
how I came early and first,
but you were too confused
to understand my value
in the whole scheme of things.
I thank you for gifting me
with the chance to be the we
we were meant to be
and applaud your use
of a well-timed
“Better late than never.”

However,
I must respectfully—or dis—
decline your invitation.
I find I’m elated, psyched,
with thirty years joy retroactively
that I was spared our
serious relationship.
Especially now I see
where we would be
had we been we
from way back when.

© 2010 Shari Lynne Smothers

Day 21 prompt: Write a poem giving, refusing, or asking permission; details here from 2010 November PAD Chapbook Challenge