We all know that the manner in which people behave toward one another can tell us a lot about their private lives. In this amusing poem by David Allan Evans, poet laureate of South Dakota, we learn something about a marriage by being shown a couple as they take on an ordinary household task.

Neighbors

They live alone

together,

she with her wide hind

and bird face,

he with his hung belly

and crewcut.

They never talk

but keep busy.

Today they are

washing windows

(each window together)

she on the inside,

he on the outside.

He squirts Windex

at her face,

she squirts Windex

at his face.

Now they are waving

to each other

with rags,

not smiling.