We’d had bad words but now were fine
In the night she went to pee
Muttering something, the tone a sign
That she felt angry still. “Can’t see”
I thought ‘what words could properly calm
Her now? She needs a loving arm
When she comes back I will embrace
Fiercely but tenderly, her form –
Pressed close my warmth will leave no space
For angst – like safety from a storm.’
Unthinkingly, when back in bed
She arched her back at me instead
Unreachable. I turned away
Hopeful at least of decent sleep
But found the bedclothes churned away
So craftily I tried to creep
The covers back – a sound within her
Like a lion disturbed at dinner!
What’s left of my romantic plan?
A disappointed, chilly man