2007-03-26 Korean Poetry

Things You Didn't Do!

Remember the day I borrowed your brand new car and dented it?
I thought you’d kill me, but you didn't.

Remember the time I dragged you to the beach? You said it would rain – and it did.
I thought you’d try to say I told you so, but you didn't.

Remember the time I flirted to make you jealous, and you were?
I thought you’d leave me, but you didn't.

Do you remember the time I spilled strawberry pie all over your car rug?
I thought you’d smack me, but you didn't.

And remember the time I forgot to tell you the dance was formal and you showed up in jeans?
I thought you’d drop me, but you didn't.

Yes, there were lots of things you didn't do.
But you put up with me, and you loved me and protected me.

There were lots of things I wanted to make up to you when you returned from the war.
But you didn't.

***

Word of the day: Honkey.
I learned it on stickam tonight. It refers to white people in the 1950's driving past their black girlfriends' house honking, and waiting around the corner. It's a derogatory term, as you might have guessed. Of course I haven't lived in the 1950's, but in hindsight I dare to call them cowards. I mean, what kind of love was that? The "I love you, but I don't want to be seen with you in your street" kind or what? I wonder what people in 50 years will say about us!
Nevertheless, I think the word itself has a nice ring to it... Honkey... sounds cute, doesn't it?