Was used to be a bouncer. Before it stood stupid in sentences, neither adding to nor taking away meaning, it slouched outside nightclubs, blending in with bricks. If Was kicked you out, though, you were blacklisted. Because Was never forgets mistakes. Instead, it lords the past over us. Even now.

Francisco Delgado lives with his wife in Queens, where he has taught at various colleges. In the fall, he will begin his doctorate studies at Stony Brook University. He appreciates you reading.