We were seven or eight
Maybe we were nine
We were staying a little late
After school one time
You handed me a note
In utter confidence
That I’d believe what you wrote
And then never speak of it
I broke your rule, and told her still
I swallowed down that bitter pill
And did what I felt was right to do
She said, like I did, she’d keep it as her own
But that only lasted till she grabbed the phone
When faced with it you said it wasn’t true
I don’t know why
This memory comes through
If I could do it twice
I’d fight harder for you
Part of me still quakes with fear
That what you wrote through withheld tears
Was truer than it ever should have been
If I had the knowledge I have today
That kids should be believed and kept safe
I swear I would have helped you win
I can’t believe I even
Had the slightest idea
What that word even meant
I knew it was bad
Something so bad
That it could not be taken back
It’s a tough truth
It comes over me from time to time
The ills of youth—
The very thing that cut our ties
You told them you lied
But I fear you told the truth
I think of you, and of him sometimes
And I wonder what he might be getting up to…
Juana Molina is a mastermind at crafting bizarre, brilliant music that feels truly of its own world. And yet, you dance. Favorite track: Un Día. LIT. MAJOR
Being a huge Orenda Fink/O+S/Art in Manila fan (phew!) of course I was stoked to hear Orenda had a new project, this time with her husband Todd. It's fun & weird; unlike anything else she's done yet. LIT. MAJOR