Talia cast stones at friends
then hid her hands.
I sat in the recliner,
watching a college football game
on the large TV above the fireplace.
It was Saturday, just after noon,
and Talia would soon start talking
about some lady at work.
I glanced occasionally and nodded
to seem interested.
I remembered her co-worker’s name,
just in case Talia asked.
I hated the cheap shots she took
at the other nurses at work,
but I listened anyway.
I told her to go easy on herself.
Talia didn’t like being told what to do much.
She pierced me with daggers in her eyes,
gathered her light coat, and left for a walk.
I muted the game.
The silence bouncing off the walls made me
hate my guts for caring more
about a game than my girl.
I hated myself then, and I probably still do,
but she’s here, and I won’t hate myself for long.
We embrace the present with confidence
for our future together.
I’m listening.