“Let’s buy a duplex” I advised my spouse,
“so we can live together and apart.”
But he insisted we must share a house,
a couch, a bed, opinions – head and heart
in harmony, forever every day,
the sum of us more mighty than the each.
My disagreement hadn’t any sway.
The concept I advanced had scanty reach.

I didn’t understand my need back then.
I didn’t know how much I’d compromise
on buses, trains, in offices, with men
and clients, parents, kids. For I was wise
and flourished, but the consequence was large:
inside my room I’ve got to be in charge.