single or tandem

I tell her about my last
experience with a tandem kayak
on the bay
with a former significant interest.
how badly it went.
the rough water on the bay,
unequal strength.
going continually in a circle,
the arguing
and cursing. the rolling
of eyes. the dismay.

I tell her
single kayaks are the way to go.
together
but independent of each other's
oars
and direction,
motivation and speed.

she agrees.
let's keep it at an agreeable
distance, she says,
but close enough so that when
our boats collide
we can kiss.
I say okay. that's perfect.
it's a deal.