good morning

you try to force your neighbor to say hello
after six months of him ignoring
your existence. his wife being even
worse, never stepping out the door
when you or anyone else is around.
good morning you say cheerfully
as he scrapes ice off the windshield
of his car. he stares down at the white
glass chipping away and nods. sure is
cold out, you say, giving a vocal
shiver and stamping your boots
on the sidewalk. he nods some more,
almost looking at you, but doesn't.
he goes to the back of the car
to work on that window. have a great
day you say, as you walk away to your
truck, whistling on the salted street.
he has no idea what he's up against.
you will be friendly and neighborly
despite him, until the day he moves.