quid pro quo

i forgive you for your middlename
the one i try to forget all the time
because it is too greasy for me to hold
too unimportant and trite

this is my gift to you
in leiu of pungent roses in babies breath
and inexpensive paper

it is how I dress you in my shortcomings
and goings then parade you around
as if no one else can tell how sad
you are on the inside.

now,
you forgive me for my mean streak
and the way my toenails slice into you
when we sleep