Salt

My wife says, when she disagrees with me
I get upset, so she has learned restraint,
And doesn't argue, pout, or make complaint,
But waits, and calms herself, so patiently
That I am unaware. Docility
Is her new watchword, and my own new taint,
As she is silent, pliant, sweet, and faint.
I'll never be as wonderful as she.

What terrible dark vengeance have I wrought,
That causes her to model mourning weeds?
I haven't struck her, or dismissed her needs,
Insisted on apologies, or fought.
She will not say. My stomach's in a knot,
And now we argue about pumpkin seeds.