Coal found the absolute worst
     way to tell us
     that I spoiled him

     a little too much last weekend.

We had pre-thought—
   which is really just
   planning that knows
   it’s doomed—

   ATL Fish Market,
   then the NHL Finals,
   cuddled in close at Irby’s, or wherever.

Instead,
   Coal’s digestive system
   called an audible
   on Mari’s carpet—
   spoiling dinner,
       the evening,

   and pretty much everything else.

So I watched alone
   as Florida skated circles
        around Edmonton,
   5-1 to raise the Cup,
         cheers muffled,
         screen blurred,
    the chair beside me…

    emptier than I cared to admit.

Skipped dinner.
Skipped drinks. (well, I had one)

Saved every appetite
      for a better night—
        one without rugs,
              or cleanup,

      or pre-thought plans to sabotage.

Tonight—
        no more spoilers.

No careful planning,
 no elaborate setup.

Just you,
      me,
      Coal feeling better,
      and a quiet prayer
      to whatever gods
      handle date nights
      and dog digestion:

      Let tonight unfold gently.
      Let this hunger be only for one another.