Fighting

Standing against the kitchen counter
your arms folded in resistance
you curse me, laying
blame like landmines
the clamor and squeak of this room
my only defense.

In the living room we draw peace
from mutual silence,
focus on abstractions
as we take our place among the photographs.

Soon we will forget to fight,
find the intervals more comforting.
later we will call
familiar allies to testify on our behalf,
insist war is only temporary.


              -- by Lita Hooper