Origins

my mom made me
write a valentine
for every kid
in the class
even the ones
i hated
or the ones
i secretly
liked too much
and, when i
sat defiant
at the
rattly wooden
kitchen table
with daffy duck
in his tiny envelope
unaddressed
and argued,
told me
you aren’t celebrating
hate day
i did ask her when
that day was
envisioning
more satisfying cards
but i think
after many years of
too sweet cupcakes
and conversation
hearts
something
took.

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Kara Coryell