She cooks him dinner again as she does every night

The sight of beef bathed in spices and the smell of cocoa

The taste of fresh vegetables is a precursor to the fight

That from the walls of the bedroom through neighborhood echo

 

She doesn’t respect him he says she does not treat him right

His accomplishments go overlooked and his hard work unappreciated

The argument at fever pitch both screaming with all their might

And what comes next is not wholly unanticipated

 

A thump can be heard then quiet then tears

Or sometimes the quiet is followed by gasping

She wonders how could she endure even one more year

Before her ears his apologies start grasping

 

Perhaps she doesn’t treat him as best she could

And he promises emphatically that he’ll hit her never again

Perhaps this foible is minor and forgive him she should

He tells her he loves her and she begins to forgive again

 

She holds him as he cries and apologizes again

The relationship will survive so there’s no need for mourning

The night is over time to sleep and tomorrow again

With one black eye make breakfast in the morning