Can’t Quit by Jennifer Lagier

Maureen and Marty
share four walls,
a roof,
zip code and phone number,
but nothing that counts.

What once sizzled
with scalding chemistry
is now asexual, monastic,
the two of them
chilly and bored.

From time to time,
they discuss separation
but haven’t the strength
to divide financial assets,
furniture, books.

Nearing the end of their lives,
neither has any desire
to seek erotic entanglements,
entrust emotions, aging bodies,
with anyone else.

Jennifer Lagier has published thirteen books, taught with California Poets in the Schools, co-edits the Homestead Review, helps coordinate Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium readings. Newest books: Scene of the Crime (Evening Street Press), Harbingers (Blue Light Press), Camille Abroad (FutureCycle Press). Forthcoming: Like a B Movie (FutureCycle Press, 2018). Website: : : Poetry by Jennifer Lagier : : 