Can totally relate...the awkward side glances, the feeling like you’ve know the deepest part of a person but having to pretend you don’t know, pretending you are a loose acquaintance when you’ve opened your heart to them, I’ve been there and it sucks.

I could feel the sense of awkwardness, when you have a deep history with someone but resolve to carry on as if nothing's there. Moving forward can be so jarring; I'm glad the narrator feels peace with their decision.

I think in the middle, where you describe talking mostly to the friend, I'd like snippets of the small talk juxtaposed with reactions (or not) from the former significant other.

This feels very real—comes from a place of knowing how those small details feel, as if everything is held in tension as a possible judgement on either the former actions or the ongoing relationship. You do a good job of showing, rather than telling. 

I agree with previous commenters that you introduce more questions than you answer, but I think the sense of mystery broadens the appeal of the poem. No need to focus on conversation or ground it in any defining language of who’s what to whom—the lightness has its own beauty.

All of that said—and maybe this doesn’t fit *this poem*, but it all seems…prosaic. There is a plain beauty to this, but little structure; there is an endearing simplicity, but not much rhythm or flourish. I can tell you are a decent writer, and probably capable of all that; I’d encourage you to think about the poem for a space, and see if there is any slip of phrase, any unique perspective, or perhaps some subtle rhythmic structure that could elevate this work to a 

I enjoyed the simpleness of this piece.  The awkwardness of not knowing what is going on inside another person's mind, pretending you are at ease when you're really not.  I particularly like the ending - the laughing moment conveys lightheartedness and the final lines are positive.  You're not letting the reader in on all your secrets but instead you're allowing them to write their own story into your piece.  I'd even say this is one of my favorites recently.  Thank you for sharing.

Ah, this is bittersweet to read. There's always this unknowingness we face, awkwardness, and there might be things we do to hide —that might hurt the ones we love — and all these are perfectly reflected in this. Good job.


oh, hi there; didn't see you! you've reached r/OCPoetry; this is a workshop site where you can share, read, and talk about eachother's poetry & etc. to post your own poems, you need to give feedback to 2 other writers. if you aren't trying to share, you're encouraged to give feedback, but aren't required. try to be nice, questioning, and specific. if you can't do that - eat a cabbage and come back later. try to give feedback to a writer without any feedback. lastly, read our [feedback guide ](https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/wiki/feedbackcritiques), other writer's comments, or this author’s feedback links. if you still aren't sure whether your comments are useful ‘feedback’, or you have any other questions, send us a modmail!

*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/OCPoetry) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Whom is your 3rd party friend? What did or didn't she know?  what kind of relationship do you have with the woman you texted? These are the questions that first come to mind. Also I don't quite see the correlation with the title and text. It makes me think about what it takes to be a parent though, regarding what it takes to maintain composure for your child's sake. Also ,it shows where we are with technology these days. "I broke down and texted you." This poem left me with questions, however I enjoy it. Maybe there doesn't have to be an answer to everything.

Seeing you at the playground was weird today.

Our friend was there,

and I wasn't sure if she knew,

and I'm pretty sure she *didn't*,

so I just acted like I was a loose acquaintance.

I said hello to you both,

made polite conversation for a bit,

mostly talked to the friend,

and then tried my best

to act like you weren't really there.

Even as our children pushed each other on the swings

and landed in a heap at the bottom of the slide.

Our eyes met for two seconds, and then we laughed.

Soon after, I broke down and texted you.

I said: "No regrets 😇"

[1](https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/comments/o4t8ow/my_old_house/h2j71wd?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web2x&amp;context=3) [2](https://www.reddit.com/r/OCPoetry/comments/o4vwr5/if_i_could/h2kr12m?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=web2x&amp;context=3)

The Morning After