And yet, here we are.

I did not write this because I stayed in the bathtub until all the suds were gone and the water got cold.

I did not write this because it is not poetry.

I did not write this because the Christmas tree is still up.

I did not write this because my morning alarm goes off at 5 AM and it’s already midnight.

I did not write this because somebody has to wash the sheets.

I did not write this because I started it years ago and need to just finish it already.

I did not write this because there’s a new season of The Crown out now, and I’m still on season 3.

I did not write this because I didn’t think you’d like it.

I did not write this because I didn’t think you’d “like” it.

I did not write this because I need my salaried job with health and vision.

I did not write this because my firstborn left home, and I wasn’t ready.

I did not write this because it’s all good.

I did not write this because it sounds like something else I read once.

I did not write this because he watches YouTube videos on tech or politics or cryptocurrency in bed at night.

I did not write this because that project is [past] due.

I did not write this because most Black people can’t afford to be artists.

I did not write this because she wanted me to read another bedtime story.

I did not write this because we never even kissed, and that kind of love is involute.

I did not write this because I got stuck.

I did not write this because nothing makes sense these days.

I did not write this because there are so many books to read first.

I did not write this because I wanted to.

And yet, here we are.