***Partner***

Partner -  
that's what you wanted to call me.  
You said that 'boyfriend' made you think of frat boys.

I hesitated  
and said that's what married people called each other  
and that I didn't think we were ready for that.

But maybe I shouldn't have said anything,  
because it might have been nice to hear you call me   
partner.

(© 2013 Cassander)