Of Husbands and Wives

If she asked him once, it was just that

A simply stated request.

If she asked him twice, it’s okay

A hint that he takes in jest.

When she asks three times, she’s nagging;

On the fourth she gets “yeah, soon.”

So instead of risking a fifth try

She pictures a blue moon.

And then he looks at her

Eyes wide and mouth turned down

“I would have done it if you’d ask”

He says with such a frown.

To avoid the buddies calling names

Like pussy-whipped and sissy

The old ball-and-chain works alone

And he laughs she’s having a hissy.

The world of men, the world of women

How do they form and what do they mean?

Can’t live with ‘em and can’t without ‘em

The conundrum makes her scream.

So she’ll ask again, “Oh darling

Twice seems to be the key

To remember  two makes a couple,

Not just you, but we."