The First Time in Forever by David J. Thompson

Group couples therapy was what I expected —
the basement of the Unitarian Church,
cookies, decaf, and off-brand ginger ale.
The guy leading the session was dressed like
he just stepped off the country club golf course,
moved around in his chair like he was posing
for a series of phony-ass publicity photos.
The other couples, full of accusations,
anger and occasional tears, seemed
like they were auditioning for parts
in a community theater production
of Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf.
The whole time I felt like I needed a cigarette,
even though I haven’t smoked in decades.

When my ex-wife stopped the car
outside the crappy apartment
where I was staying, she asked me
what I thought of the evening.
Well, I said unlatching my seat belt,
the Fig Newtons were really stale,
and right now all I want is a stiff drink.
Finally, she said, for the first time
in forever we agree on some things.
I’ll have my lawyer call yours
first thing in the morning.

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David J. Thompson is a former prep school teacher and coach who lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He enjoys The Simpsons, movies, jazz, and minor league baseball. He lists Raymond Carver, Frank O’Hara, and Anne Sexton among his favorite poets. His poetry/photography book, Grace Takes Me, is available from Vegetarian Alcoholic Press.

Photo: Toa Heftiba