the long haul

she wants to talk
things out.
she says sit down,
i have a few
things to say
before you leave
today. what?
what is it, you
say, rubbing
your forehead.
i need to know
where this relationship
is heading.
are we both in
this for the long haul.
the long haul?
you repeat back.
this makes you
think of a tractor
trailer, hauling
lumber in
the great northwest.
rolling down
the highway with
trees tied down
behind you.
she snaps her fingers
at you, hey, hey.
are you listening
to me, you seem
to be drifting off.
no, i'm here, you
tell her.
so, what do you have
to say then, she
says. her hands are
folded under
her chin and she looks
like she's been
crying, or cutting onions
in the kitchen.
you sniff the air.
what's cooking you
say?