agonism
(for JM)
she says he doesn’t
understand her meaning
he says she never
says what she means
soon they’re raising their voices
he flails his arms
like an inflatable man
outside a used car dealership
like most arguments, after a while
the initial point gets lost
in the ever-lengthening litany
of past injustices
until eventually both
are too confused to stay angry
he laughs, a toe in the water
she laughs, the tide coming in
both say they’re sorry
lace their fingers together
walk upstairs to make love
tomorrow or the next day
or next week or next month
another spark will light the brush
clearing out the dead wood
making room for new growth
6 February 2013
Auburn, AL
/ / /
Today a friend explained to me the meaning of the word “agonism.” This poem is the result. The Tiananmen Square photo is by Jeff Widener of the Associated Press.
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