Divided

His call came dressed 
In honor 
As the President grasped 
For a handshake, 
Cuff link to cuff link 
Across a varnished desk. 
Untried image fit 
As did dark suits, 
Stiff collars, ties; 
Deportment: 
Sunday perennial best. 
I wore feminine esteem 
Quite well that year. 
(The woman behind the man) 
                                    Sequent pregnancies, 
                                    On time installments 
                                    I iron his shirts, 
                                    Stitch priscillas, 
                                    Waver 
                                    Between diapers, homework, 
                                    Relay his messages, 
                                    Bottle orbs of peaches, 
                                    Baby riding my hip. 
                                    Like a wall-hung sergeant 
                                    The ringing phone 
                                    Policies our premises, 
                                    Crisis and query 
                                    Inundate the bulletin. 
                                                                        I sit alone 
                                                                        On the bench 
                                                                        With our six and the stress 
                                                                        Of quieting— 
                                                                        His occasional smile 
                                                                        Deigns 
                                                                        From the podium. 
                                                                        (He looks so USELESS up there.) 
                                                                        Appendage-like 
                                                                        I band us homeward. 
                                                                        Downhall, 
                                                                        Outside his carpeted cubicle, 
                                                                        “Do-Not-Disturb” shimmer 
                                                                        Awaits the clergy click.