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.”