trying so hard to smooth their ruffled feathers

i've taken

the save the marriage

cruise,

the trip to Disneyland

to

make things right,

i've driven

to Winchester to shop

for antiques,

to Leesburg

to taste wine and pick

grapes.

i've bent over backwards

to smooth their ruffled feathers,

stood in long lines

at the opera,

or at flea markets as they

shopped

for a tea kettle

and interesting plates.

i've watched chick flicks until

my eyes bled.

how much kale

and salmon,

lemon

chicken can one man eat?

i've held

purses while they've tried

on dresses in the changing

room, bought flowers

and diamonds,

candles and perfume,

met the parents, the aunts

and uncles,

their disgruntled children,

and painted their

houses, wallpapered their rooms.

i've written so many

pleading words in a futile

attempt

to make them happy and to

beg for forgiveness.

whew.

glad that's over with.