It’s always the case with you

You placed the cold plastic tile
on the board, a smug look daring me
to defy you.

“Triple word score,” I breathed –
impressed, yet unwilling to show it.

I took in your flushed face,
as you basked in your triumph.
I raised my eyebrow in scorn.

Not quite yet.

And so we dueled,
in this game of words.

You with your big pronouncements,
such a show of brute.
Me, not budging, waiting,
waiting for that moment.

Both of us intense,
feeling for each other’s hidden
letters – nervously anticipating.

And with a flourish,
you put down your last word.

You grinned,
and I sighed
having waited too long.

I could never win with you.

-- August 5, 2008; 6:23 PM