An Irritable Man

 

he was all 50s dapper back then
a cigarette in tender fingers
gel shining under navy lights
stolen weekends
cheeky dancing
hooting conversation
such a splendid sea
of many possibilities

but 50 years have made him weary
the colours of bonhomie scraped off
persistent dreams all but wilted
searing disappointment
stinging regrets
mishandled guilt
no wonder he dissolved
into an irritable man

she's remained beside him though
immune to the habit of grumpiness
anchored by the truth of appearances
indefatigable brightness
busy handiwork
cemented loyalty
impossible to even
imagine anything different

life's edges are sandpapered off
few demands on empty cupboards
no surprises or risk of falling
daily tasks
important order
solid companions
they have a new take on universal happiness

they do hold each other sometimes
glowing about how it used to be
allowing themselves an indulgence
complex complicity
safe autonomy
easy understanding
never a need to wonder if their love will last


Copyright, 2006. Shameless Words