"Something forgets us perfectly."
-Leonard Cohen

I want to forget him
perfectly,
forget him in a way
I lose nothing of myself,
forget the reality,
honor the illusion,
that bright mirror
of his dark reflection.

I want to forget him
perfectly,
leave the mental illness,
thought disorder,
or mercenary motive,
remember what I thought was love,
love myself for loving.

I want to forget him
perfectly,
forgive the imperfections,
mine and his,
forgive the shattered hopes
the broken hearts,
forgive him
perfectly,
forgive myself,
and forget--
in my human imperfection,
in my forward looking heart.
~
2003