‘Villainelle’ by Anna Stockdale

Was it my fault that you were misled?
I’m reading the words in the text you sent:
‘I guess you never meant the things you said.’

The things that you wrote, I thought I misread –
I’m starting to see how much you resent
that it’s ‘all my fault’ that you were misled.

You wanted it like the stories you read
but I was a mouth, a hand, an event.
(I guess I never meant the things I said.)

If I hadn’t stayed as long in your bed
and left before dawn, would it prevent
it being my fault that you were misled?

You’ll say I’m a bitch, and hey, go ahead –
I still hope you replace the romance I lent.
(I guess I never meant the things I said.)

Sweethearts like you are so easily led,
I swallowed my sorry the day I went ...
Yeah, it’s my fault that you were misled:
I guess I never meant the things I said.

From issue #6: spring/summer 2018

About the Author
Anna Stockdale is from Co. Down. She is in her final year of her undergrad at Queen’s University Belfast studying English with Creative Writing. In between stressing about what she’ll be doing with her life next year, she enjoys travelling the world and spreading body positivity.