separated by drywall

sometimes

when it doesn't

work out

one goes to the cellar

to live.

money makes it

hard to leave.

there's the dog,

the in-laws,

kids.

a variety of store

bought things.

health insurance,

saved

by a ring.

they live separate

lives

under the same roof.

but no longer

pretending to be in love,

it's milquetoast

now. there's

no longer a reason

to not be

alone and distant, with

few words

to share.

there is no need

to explain

where one is going,

or with who.

this separate exit

and entrance

out the backyard,

will do.