The Art of Tetman Callis

my father storms into the house when he gets home from work
bitching about obese paralegals
red-light runners
large cars badly parked
i’m watching television when he comes in
i try to avoid getting in front of his anger

after he takes off his tie
makes a martini and sits
he’s usually better

he sips
he says
why does my girlfriend keep calling me at seven in the morning to break up?
doesn’t she know she got it right the first time?

we watch television
i’m like
dad

i don’t know

he finishes his martini and goes outside

we forgive each other everything we can

(Copyright 2023 by Tetman Callis.)