two sides to everything

i run into

my ex-wife's best friends

in the grocery

store.

a couple from the old

neighborhood.

our children

grew up together.

it's been 25 years since i've seen

them,

but we ignore

the awkwardness.

we stop our carts

and

get right into small talk,

children,

weather, 

associated other friends.

so how have you been?

everyone is good.

of course.

there's some wear and tear

on both of them,

as i'm sure they see on me.

strange,

as it is,

i never disliked them, despite

everything,

despite the act

of taking sides.

if only they knew the truth

of how and why,

but why bother now.

i'm free.

we give each other

a handshake and a hug

goodbye.