saccharin

like the wind of a stalled tornado
she went on and on and on
her venom laced voice
playing taps upon worn and weary eardrums
in his eyes years of bitter frustration
could be seen bubbling to the surface
yes dear
I know dear
you’re right dear
empty responses
recited by rote
with no inflection
meaningless mumbles
saccharin-laced placebos
weapons of self-defense
last bastions of relief
for a man
who has had the fight
nagged out of him