November 2006  

Sheet Metal Villanelle Blues    ©    by    Bill Griffin
 

Why are you the one who's crying, Honey?
After all, it's my car you've just backed into.
Nothing that can't be fixed with money,

Though the pain-in-ass factor's nothing funny.
Are you OK? You're not injured, are you?
Why do you keep on crying, Honey?

Don't worry, when our mechanic's done we
Will swear it looks as good as new.
It's nothing that can't be fixed with money.

I admit it doesn't make me feel too sunny,
But I'm not yelling and I sure won't sue.
Why are you the one who's crying, Honey?

It's just sheet metal. It will still run -- see
My arms around you? What really matters to
You isn't things that can be fixed with money.

It's my hurt you feel, I'm the one, me
Your tears are for. And that's why I love you,
Because you are crying, Honey,
For things that can't be fixed with money.

Previously published in the North Carolina Poetry Society's
Pinesong: Awards 2006. Used with the poet's permission.
NOTICE: The copyright © for this poem belongs to the poet.