Unsexy wrestling matches, tacit, vain,
like who worked harder, who dealt with more stress,
became a common thread, a dull refrain
that thrummed beneath domestic busyness.
What once had been good talking and direct
communication, clouded with subtext.
The friendship love had led us to expect
devolved to lack, and hours half-perplexed.

The coffeemaker would be set to start
at 6 a.m. each weekday, but that meant
that someone must pour water in its heart,
and scoop ground coffee to correct extent.
It’s sad how each would wait the other out.
Divorce removed the contest and the doubt.