by Barbara Loots

“Do you still believe that the intentional
failure to remember can constitute a
criminal act?”—Hakeem Jeffries, 
as reported from the hearing
regarding Jeff Sessions’ testimony
in previous inquiring committees.

I did not intentionally fail to remember.
I did not remember to accidentally forget.
You cannot convict me of possibly telling the truth.
I have not remembered the things I’ve forgotten just yet.

I do not believe what I said when I didn’t remember.
I do not believe that forgetfulness should be a crime.
Believe me, I already feel unintentionally sorry
For what I might honestly fail to remember next time.