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I Can't Be His Friend

Response Villanelle to I Love You, I Hate You by Little Simz



Balloons are blown up, the invites sent.

Won’t vent, can’t pretend my heart don’ shatter

I am his mother. I can’t be his friend.


Party so lit, it needs foam retardant

No smoke, no coke, juz woke and chatter

Balloons are blown up, the invites sent


But all I can think, what is self-evident

This ain’t for me. This ain’t on my platter

I am his mother. I can’t be his friend


So help me get it, help me comprehend

Why I should suspend, make like it don’ matter

Balloons are blown up, the invites sent


Goin’ in was a one-shot experiment

But how should I mend the dent and the tatter

I am his mother. I can’t be his friend


The event be as meant I have to transcend

through the scream, the clang, and the clatter

Balloons are blown up, the invites sent

I am his mother. I can’t be his friend


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