“Such a cute couple!” “They are so good together!” I have heard these and other phrases so often about couples, young and old. But what does it take to make a perfect match? “Opposites attract,” says the cliche, though I’m not sure I believe it. It is that we admire in our partners what we lack, or do we feel more comfortable with someone similar to us in personality and demeanor? In this poem I explore two sides of a relationship that differ and yet complement. I admit to tending more toward the second half of each couplet, though the poem is not (necessarily) autobiographical. What are your opinions about what makes the perfect match? Let me know by leaving your comment!
A PERFECT MATCH
impulsive
deliberate
spontaneous
self-conscious
hopeful
fearful
self-possessed
over-shoulder-watching
free-thinking
conforming
curious
contemplative
ebullient
restrained
giggling
steady now
disciplined
falling off the wagon
fun-loving
nose to the grindstone
inclined toward cheerfulness
tending to be sad
star-gazing
spot-scrubbing
bibber
tee-totaler
go to hell
I’m sorry
let’s go!
we’re late
bratwurst
sauerkraut
pedal to the floor
foot on the break
effusive
reserved:
beautifully broken
secretly afraid:
a perfect match