"I don't like doing anything
without your Mother,"
I tell my daughter
who's feeling guilty
as a Salem witch trial judge
about not wanting to go out for dinner
and drinks with her old
sorority sisters leaving her husband
home alone watching the baby on
a Friday night.
My wife stares almost indignant
at me from across the room,
responding immediately
to be sure there are no misunderstandings,
"But I like going out
with my girlfriends."
I'm glad she's not pleased or flattered
that after all these years
I still like being with her so much.
I'm embarrassed when I realize,
when it is pointed out to me
so clearly that more than anything,
like having to wear a cast
on a skiing trip
I'm more of a burden
to her than anything else.

by Donna