I’d love to talk about the other K –
how orbits of dependents have been skewed,
and what the friend abandonments convey,
suggesting flaws in view and attitude.
I’d like to think aloud about a choice
a dear one made, apparently impelled
by pain, who didn’t let another voice
resound against opinion fiercely held.

I want to share these subjects with the friend
I’ve talked to longest – from our college youth
to this age, but I can’t ignore the trend
she now exhibits – “speaking her own truth,”
by hector-lecturing my hearing sore.
Her rant-interrogations slam the door.