girls bond with serious discussion
I've heard them talking.
They think boys bond
by video game adrenaline,
but they are only partly right.

They are right about boys.
Men, however, never play.
We only keep each other in check
with constant vigilance
and endless tests.
Not of character, but prowess
in case a real enemy happens by.
I mean one that cuts us.
Kills things.
Takes our home by storm and ruins night and day.

Not that sneak who whispers
creeps through windows
with needy eye sockets.

No. I'm talking battle.
Where it's a long knife
or a sharp apple

cutting it's way past your ear
to crush its core in your girlfriend's face.

And she still doesn't get it.
She's mad, but not at the apple.
She still thinks we're playing.
But really we're here to protect her.

We're just not that good at it.
Which is why we're training
with apples instead of guns.