Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

Next Friday

It’s Monday or Tuesday; I’m making a date
By email, by phone or by text
And Friday’s the day that I want to relate
So my spouse says, “Which one?” I say NEXT.

But next Friday, to him, is a few days away
And that isn’t the one that I meant,
For that one is THIS Friday and, to his dismay,
My annoyance is quite evident.

See, in Brooklyn, our THISSES and NEXTS we all knew
With no reason to thus clarify.
If I said, “Meet next Friday,” I understood you
Would just nod or say yes in reply.

Since it seems that not everyone has this in hand
I will spell it the best I know how.
THIS implies that the date coming up, understand,
Is the one in the same week as now.

But when you’re talking NEXT, check your calendar page.
I assure you the date you will find
Is the one after THIS one has been center stage
And the week has left mem’ries behind.

I don’t get the confusion; it’s simple as pie
Though my husband thinks I’m off my gourd.
Still, at least in New York, I can kind of see why
THIS and NEXT is a double-edged sword.

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Paul Callus June 4, 2017 at 1:29 PM ha ha...you got me confused there, Ilene:) Have to be careful with that double-edged sword! My wife and I have a similar problem; when she says UP she means Down, so I often get sent on wild goose chases up/down the road! Regards // paul

Leo Larry Amadore June 3, 2017 at 11:25 PM We would clearly understand each other on this, Ilene -- I, too, frequently cause confusion because my understanding of what is meant by this (whatever day) is the (whatever day) that occurs in the current week, whereas next refers to the one that will occur in the next week. You have mentioned a communication problem that is probably fairly widespread, and have, doubtless, helped to clarify the issue.

Anne-Lise Andresen June 3, 2017 at 2:08 PM - puh..... I get confused, Ilene - See you on friday .... or monday ....or tuesday ..? ..? ...? ... :))) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Lin Lane June 3, 2017 at 11:14 AM Mental thoughts of men and women are as far apart as black is from white, and hardly ever do the twain meet. A great write, Ilene.