the rhythm

the rhythm
from the ceiling
draws our smiles
after all, our
newly neighbored neighbors
are just
newly wed

but when it
doesn’t stop
nor slow
nor slacken
nor cease
for
thirty
minutes

we look at each other
my wife and I
at first amazed
then awed
for them
then respectful
for him
then
eventually
as those tens
of minutes
pass
fearful
for her

when it stops
after half
an hour

we still stare
at each other
my wife and I
eyes and mouth
wide
and unbelieving
the running shower
upstairs
confirming
our unbelief

so we take them cookies
of course
later that week
and ask how
they’re settling in

fine, oh, fine
they say
perhaps too kindly
unaccustomed
as they are
to married people talk

funny
I think
they don’t look
Olympian
maybe mildly athletic
but not what I
expected

then she
the other wife
says
oh so sincerely
I hope our
treadmill
doesn’t make
much racket

treadmill?
says she
that is
my wife
with the slightest
crease in her brow

oh yes
I jog
she
the other wife
says
twice a week
for thirty minutes

we laugh
of course
my wife and I
and they join in
uncomprehending
and a little confused

for these our
newly neighbored neighbors
are just
newly wed