Spent

For William, Mary, and Dorothy

Try not to argue so devotedly
For my ex-wife. You’re rather too effusive
To be quite nice. In fact, it is abusive,
Although I understand that you and she
Are still good friends. Preserving harmony,
Wherever possible (though it’s elusive),
Ignoring your demands, bold and intrusive,
Is all that keeps us from catastrophe.

I loved her once, and married her in haste,
As you know well. She suckled pagans then,
And I’ve outgrown her now. Since you were ten
You were best friends, but now we have laid waste
Our power to carry on. Once we were chaste,
And will be once more, but I don’t know when.