There are things
of which we never speak
like that weekend in Bellmore
or how I’m scared of the Mets.
We keep the sounds of those subjects silent
if only to maintain equanimity
between us.

There are things
of which I never think
so afraid am I
of willing them
unwittingly
into reality.
I don’t want to produce
the world where you remember
the one that you left for me
and how much your life has changed.
I strive never to bring that up
even alone
in the sauna
or drunk at the club.

There are some acts
of which we never partake
so careful are we
around subjects of equality
and freedom
and sexual and racial
and ageist politics
– to even attempt them
would open up issues
I assume we both fear.

There are some things
that we never eat
because I am allergic.