When Talking of Divorce

    by Kathryn Jacobs

 
It’s automatic: the apology.
The banker: Do you recognize these names?
“Yes, he’s my ex” – “I’m sorry.” Like he died;
you ought to be in mourning. Or Blue Cross
 interrogates you: shrug. “I’ve no idea.
He doesn’t live here—” instant genuflect,
instinctual as breathing. 
                           Folks, I swear,
whoever thought up that response was male.
A woman may be angry, or relieved,
or scrambling for a job. But it’s the man
who couldn’t get enough until she quit,
and feels hard done by. Or who cheated –  but
he wants his dinner. And Stay Home With Me,
or else—the two day pout. 
                          So you can say
“excuse me” if you want. Or better yet,
try “thank you.” If you say you’re sorry, though,
I’ll tell you that makes one of us, and grin,
and you’ll look non-plussed. Think you’re better off,
and I’m some victim? Save it for the guys –