Excommunication

Since communication broke down,
I’ve been wondering if
you’re ignoring me, or
I’m ignoring you, for
the simple reason I
think you want me to.

And before the silence:
the static of mistranslation,
blurred meanings.
You spoke of mistakes made:
I talked in circles,
my words rebounding off
the language barrier.

And we didn’t have the words
to tell the story clear,
I mentioned all the wrong ones
up to - and including - fear.
I said the word for shame
and meant guilt although
I’m not a catholic.