Simpatico
Images by lifeforstock and kjpargeter via Freepik, and cocoparisienne from Pixabay
On a cruise with mostly couples
a stranger I sat next to suggested
an appetizer to her husband.
He frowned at her, jerked his indignant chin,
and barked a different order.
For most of the trip, I hung out with two couples,
all engineers and best friends.
At meals, we kidded with our affable waiter
and joked about who ate more chocolate.
We took turns deciding what to explore on shore—
the way you and I used to. We were simpatico, mostly,
except when you slipped into your father’s skin.
Your dad and mom were hand in glove, you bragged.
His hand, her pliant glove, I thought, but never said.
If you were still alive, would you even remember
that night, out with the Governor and his wife?
You know how women are, you said, winking at the Gov.
Later, in the car, you had no idea and mumbled, Sorry,
as you flicked a breadcrumb from your tie.
At the end of my cruise, in a lecture
on the ship’s navigation, I showed my curiosity.
A husband turned to the captain, grinned,
and gave himself permission to say,
Well now, isn’t she quite the little engineer.
Still lurking, what lies coiled among us.
Looking for more reflective pieces? Check these out!
- My Raging War – Poetry
- Adjectives Aren’t Everything – an Essay
- Known – Poetry Reading
- Biographies and Memoirs of Amazing Women in History – Book Roundup
Merryn Rutledge
Formerly a literature and writing teacher and then a national leadership consultant, Merryn Rutledge now devotes herself to writing poems and book reviews, teaching about poetry craft, and working for social justice. Her work has appeared in Pensive, Muddy River Review, Multiplicity, Speckled Trout Review, Aurorean, Poetry Porch, and other journals. As a consultant, Merryn’s research on leadership and organizational culture was published in peer-reviewed journals and as book chapters. Merryn also sings, dances Zumba-style, plays with her grandchildren, and enjoys the woods, marshes, and beaches near her home in Massachusetts.
Find more from Merryn on her website or X (formerly Twitter).
