Paradelle for Two Voices

I want to do this with you.
I want to do this with you.
Then let us begin.
Then let us begin.
I want "us" to begin with "you."
Then let this do.

How was it for you?
How was it for you?
I will answer last.
I will answer last.
How I last was,
you will answer for it.

Your mistake: me.
Your mistake: me.
So stupid to believe you.
So stupid to believe you.
You believe you're stupid
to mistake me so.

I will let you answer, then,
how it was to want me,
this stupid mistake, for us.
You begin to believe
with your "I do,"
and so you last.

Jessy Randall

If you have any comments on this poem, Jessy Randall would be pleased to hear from you.

The paradelle is a form invented (originally as a joke) by Billy Collins. Details can be found here.