Tilt

Over his shoulder

the wall frame interrupts

Politely, at first

Urging my attention

Urgently, the more I ignore

its leaning angle

 

Behind his back

the framed painting invades

conversation 

about the kids, about work, about

news stories, about consuming less dairy

 

Outside of his knowing

our framed art hangs at a tilt

Absorbing the details for pickups, the new coworker’s name, fun facts about oat milk

Taunting me to set its angles straight