Tried (Lily Lechler - New Orleans, LA)

The fire escape I’m sitting on is giving way,

And when I grasp for something to break my fall

There’s only these sounds that scorch my skin.

"I tried to love you, but I can’t.”

Why’d I take you to my favorite place

For you to pour this gasoline on the ground?

no quelling this fire now.

“I tried to love you, but I can’t.”

It’s worse than just not being loved, to know

You tried, like that’s a consolation. It’s the smoke

That stings my eyes, obstructing my vision.

“I tried to love you, but I can’t.”

I’m sitting on this collapsing fire escape

While you’re safe on the ground, looking

Up at me, waiting for me to tell you

“It’s okay, I understand.”

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