five years before the divorce, they were
debating daily over who would pick up
the children when and where
each pushing
the task to the other, wondering
how they have grown
so tired all at once
always one argument away
from finally collapsing.

one year before the separation
they tried losing
every angle, disappearing in
overtime for hours to avoid
confrontation. they picked up
and dropped off the children like
clockwork, taking turns civilly.
they have long found excuses
to sleep in separate beds.

six months before the divorce, they were
debating daily over who would pick up
the children when and where
each claiming
their parental devotion, wondering
how much they have grown
worrying how much more
room they could grow apart and
away from their separating hearts.

one year after the divorce, they noticed the sun
still rose from the east
.
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