The Ritual of Two Strangers

Two strangers ... a ritual, a kiss, a goodbye.

They were two strangers sitting by each other. 

She was writing a story and he was finishing his food. 

 

She was confused; she didn’t understand his attitude.

She didn’t understand how he could not support her writing. 

 

He was upset; she had created a profile on some website.

He could not understand her wanting an online profile. 

 

They looked at each other, but no one smiled.

She wasn’t interested in being nice, neither was he.

 

She had stopped writing for many years, her inspiration gone. 

Then one day, she started again and it made her happy, it filled a void.

 

He wondered, why was she talking to people online?

Who was she talking to; did she no longer love him?

 

 

They had both fought with their perspective spouses.

They were playing back what had happened.   

 

 

She tried explaining to her husband.

“My writing is my passion.”

Now, nothing was missing in her life.

 

 

He tried to explain to his wife.

“Someone is going to want to meet you.”

What if she has already met someone else?

 

Almost at the same time they finished.

They got up from the table and walked away. 

 

She was finishing a story that was inspired by a photo.

She saved it and turned off her computer. 

 

He wasn’t hungry; couldn’t take another bite. 

The food was cold; he left it unfinished on the table.

 

Both of them thought about what they had said to each other. 

Neither one of them understood the other. 

 

“I don’t understand, what’s so bad with writing? 

I write because it makes me happy.

I’m not doing anything wrong.”

 

“This is not right you are a married woman.

Is there something missing that you are doing that?

You should not have yourself out on the internet.”

 

That night they both went to sleep confused.

Each one their own side; not hugging nor kissing their spouse.

 

She went to bed late; she didn’t want to talk to him.

When she got to the bedroom he was already asleep.

 

He went to sleep to an empty bed.

His wife was putting the kids to sleep.

 

The next morning it was the same. 

Neither spoke to their spouse, both still hurt.

 

She got up the next morning, got herself and the kids ready.

She was leaving and said, “I’m leaving, give me a kiss.”

 

The next morning, he stayed in bed as long as he possibly could.

He was getting ready when she spoke to him.

 

 

Before walking out of the house; a ritual. 

That’s what it was, a ritual; a kiss no matter how mad they were.

 

She was still extremely upset; she wasn’t asking, she was demanding.

She wanted a kiss; she repeated, “Give me a kiss.”

 

He looked at his wife questioning her. 

“I thought you didn’t love me?”

 

 

What if one of them died?

The last memory would be a kiss.

 

 “I don’t, are you going to give me kiss or not?”

She was getting impatient; she was ready to walk out.

 

He stared at her long and hard.

He was indifferent as he leaned over.

 

It was a quick; a no matter what “I love you” kiss.

The two strangers kissed and said goodbye.

 

            “Have a good day,” she said as she walked out the door.

            Maybe tonight we’ll talk and I’ll explain; he’ll understand.

 

                        She still loves me; maybe I should be more supportive.

                        She shared it with me for a reason, I should not doubt her.

 

In their hearts they said to each other,

            I love you, 

                        I love you too. 

 

August 2, 2007

 

Reviews

[Drifter]

I find this poem very fascinating. It's as if two seperate stories are being told that, although seperate from each other, are the same. This inspires me to continue writing what I've put on the backburner this week. For that I say thank you and I hope to come across more of your writings.

[SweetPeachesAlways]

I understand...
Thank you for sharing this...I truly did like it.

[Forest Green]

Sounds like a true touch and go situation. When will the source of discontent boil over into something else. Or will one give in to the other one? Or both a little bit?

Many unanswered questions but in the end love ties them closely together.

Very good work!

Daniel

[Sean M. Addams]

very unique and very well told good job on this