you shall love your crooked neighbor

i am calling to wish you well. i am calling because i want to
change something i said. a year ago you asked me three questions.
i thought you were asking my birthday wishes and answered all
wrong. if you remember (if i know you you’ll pretend you don’t)
i answered:

1) no, i have always been homely.
2) yes i believe you have always been too lovely for anyone to
bear.
3) silk. it is not always expensive, and it is impossible to tear.

it’s my birthday again and because i am cleverer now i can answer
you with more nerve. but because i am still me i am pitiless
enough to have your number and call you with this excuse to let
you know i am still alive (i won’t push it by telling you that i am
wonderful).

1) yes. thank you.
2) no. i found it a most repulsive photo.
3 same. though i don’t think of you, still it’s a near-perfect place.
and so dear when ruined.