I’m sorry that I learned things late
that when you were small
the public health nurses
gave me boxes to tick
about vaccines
about food groups
about dental hygiene
but there was no box
about caring for your heart
and I’m sorry that I learned things late
such a simple tip
maybe I missed it
in a parenting pamphlet
along the way
or maybe people around a table
decided that only a child’s body
warrants intervention
but if your emotions
are not inside your body
then where do they live
anyways, I’m sorry
that I learned things late
I’ll try to catch up now
to make up for lost time
to tick that box
that says;
yes, I see your sadness
and I tell you
it’s okay.