I used both paintings for Paul Brookes’ challenge today, De openbaring by Marcel Herms and Terry Chipp’s Eye spy.

Blame

I hate it when you look at me
that way, as if to say—
but you never do.
You look and wrap up
your hurtful words,
so they don’t show, but I know.
I hate it that you never say
what you hate,
that you leave it too late
to stop my anger overflowing,
and the pain
you should have forestalled
spreads, a stain
that can never be removed.