Dish Set
by Anna Donovan


In parting
we split
every shredded piece
of our shared history
with all the rigidity
blind justice can muster.

Even our son
is dutifully split
down a Solomonic half,
and is shuffled
from household
to household
in bitter joint custody
agreement.

I think it is fitting
you keep
the whole set
of pale Johann Hayland dishes
your mother picked for us
at Prien Lake mall.

I was not consulted
in their selection,
my sensibilities
are not lilac haired
or white gloved,
and I don't feel
like entertaining,
half a dozen
in onlooker slowdown
to my mangled self
on the other side
of their safe gated unions.






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