Neither of Us Asked

THE NIGHT OF THE KETTLE
both of us remember this part the same way

It was raining the kind that doesn't knock, just leans on the windows.
The kettle had already clicked off and neither of us got up for it.
The dog was asleep across both our feet and we did not move him.
You had flour on your wrist from the bread that didn't rise.
I was wearing the green thing with the hole in the elbow.
We had been quiet for a long time and it was the good kind of quiet.
Then one of us said the thing. We both agree a thing was said.
<<<<<<< HEAD
AUGUST, who is gentle about it:
I put my cup down first. You always say it was you, but it was me.
And then I said it. I said "stay." It was me. I was the one who asked.
And you stayed. You are still here. That is all the proof I need.
=======
WREN, who is sure:
You put your cup down first. I remember the small sound of it.
And then you said it. You said "stay." It was you. You asked me to stay.
And I did. I stayed. I am still here. That is the whole proof I have.
>>>>>>> wren