scratching

you miss
having your back
scratched
you tell your friend
linda when discussing
your long ago
marriage.
it died on
the vine,
as they say.
never really coming
into fruition.
that's it, she says.
from twelve years
of marriage
you only miss having
your back scratched.
yes, you say, sipping
your coffee.
she had nice long
nails and was patient
in finding
the right spot.
I admired that
in her.
twelve years? she says,
shaking her head.
twelve, you nod,
sipping on your drink,
your eyes widening
with disbelief too.