I will go

[Oceantide]

I will not
Run to the store
And buy you goodies
Because you’re moping

I will not
Make you dinner
And do obeisance
Because you gave me leave

I will go
To my friend’s birthday
Celebrating half-a-century
Of her life without a partner

Not that men are bad
I clearly love men
But I will not take the blame
For problems belonging to you

[Paper]

I love the declarative, assertive style of this poem. Good for you, choosing Oceantide and not responding to to the nonverbal communication by acquiescing, and not accepting the blame that wasn't yours. I hope you did go to your friend's celebration and had a lovely time.

[Oceantide]

Thank you, Paper! Thank you for understanding. I did go and had a fantastic time at the all-women party! My friend (like most at the party) is Armenian, and apparently it's customary to dance after dinner, so we danced and danced to Armenian music after a lovely meal of traditional food.