ticking

I say go left,
she says no, go
right. I try to kiss
her on the lips, she
turns to give me
her cheek. She wants
red wine, I want
a gin and tonic
with a slice
of lime. She
prefers to sleep
in. I get up
early to walk
the dog, make a
run for coffee
and a paper. Cake
or pie, we differ
there too. Yes,
even the simple
things. It's too
hot for me, too
cold for her. I
save, she spends.
I want the beach,
she longs for a
mountain. Our
vote on every
issue cancels
each other's out
She wants to sing
loudly with the
music, I want to
hear the song. There
is no middle
ground for us to
stand on, just this
small island of
discontent and
the ticking clock.