There was nothing new or different about
this argument. It was as familiar as
the other’s face.
It was about where an ashtray should be –
left or right side of the coffee table –
front or back edge.
It started out nicely, at least to someone
who didn’t know them, know about
their Ashtray War.
He collected ashtrays. They were his pride
and joy, showed them to everyone –
all 463 of them.
She hated them, or more accurately
hated him for elevating them
above her wishes.
As always, the argument escalated into
a full-blown, certifiably crazy
Ashtray War Battle!
Like a bad repeating TV show it would end
then replay with scant new
creative content.
Of course none of it had anything to do
with ashtrays. Not a thing.
Zero! Zip! Nada!