We’d had bad words but now were fine

In the night she went to pee

Muttering something, the tone a sign

That she felt angry still. “Can’t see”

I thought ‘what words could properly calm

Her now? She needs a loving arm

When she comes back I will embrace

Fiercely but tenderly, her form –

Pressed close my warmth will leave no space

For angst – like safety from a storm.’

Unthinkingly, when back in bed

She arched her back at me instead

Unreachable. I turned away

Hopeful at least of decent sleep

But found the bedclothes churned away

So craftily I tried to creep

The covers back – a sound within her

Like a lion disturbed at dinner!

What’s left of my romantic plan?

A disappointed, chilly man