Climbing The Stairs Poem by Camilla Keenan Koch

I heard a couple arguing on the stairs
outside our apartment
But I turn into the doorway and try to surprise you
‘I heard you! ’
‘Sneak! I heard you too! ’
Like an engine, my mind turns over
I will not bring this to you, to you and your complete lack of mirth in the face of this ridiculousness, this couple, swearing nothing, the full idleness of their contempt
painted, on their faces,
showing nothing.

I will bring you cake; plum;
and full of nuts