The Last Recluse

I Told You

10-11-21

I hung us. I strung us.
The rope-a-dope stylist is
the real alchemist.
Did you think it gave you
         a new instinct?
I've knives made
from railroad ties
and seen things besides
the truth and its lies.
I tried to warn you before
but you wrote your life
         unsure
of its contents and missteps
and flagrant regrets.
The stylist is upset
by things she can't reset
while you sit knowing a youth
misspent that you won't accept
and we all have the proof.
I can cut you or cut you,
         or cut you and cut you,
but nothing will stop me from you
as I tell you I told you so.