Late Remarks

There’s not much I can say.

We’re all going to die.
That didn’t come out right.

“I’m doomed,” is so melodramatic.
“I’m so doomed,” is cutesy.

“I’m in trouble”
sounds like a confession
on an old-time cop show.

“We’re in trouble now,” sounds like
we’re about to be sent
to the vice-principal—

that loser!

He’d never understand.

“Late Remarks” from Finalists © 2022 by Rae Armantrout. Published by Wesleyan University Press. Used with permission.