We promised more than once that we would tell
each other if we noticed any sign
of age-compressed perspectives that impel
one’s personality to snit, repine,
or tunnel vision, blurred and inward-turned.
To forward and beyond we made our pact.
But treaty’s gone to needy – what we yearned
to hold is fading lately, wrecked and wracked.

We quibble nearly every time we talk.
I want to be reminding you, but how
can I make you attend? I feel you balk
and hear you argue almost daily now.
I want to keep that promise, but you sink,
offended and too crotchety, I think.