I think having the final word be “flat” makes it so much better. It opens up the poem to a much wider set of interpretations. There’s yours, but you can also derive this statement about male dominance in hetero relationships, for example.
The “he” and “she” lend themselves to commenting on cishet dynamics, patriarchy; related incumbent power structures in the way “he” in the poem dismisses “her” arguments and tone and just waits her out.
It reminds me so much of the toxic relationships I know of where the woman’s perspective is viewed as emotional, radical, and so not privileged with serious consideration.
I think having the final word be “flat” makes it so much better. It opens up the poem to a much wider set of interpretations. There’s yours, but you can also derive this statement about male dominance in hetero relationships, for example.
Oh yeah totally, the poem is already so gendered.
The “he” and “she” lend themselves to commenting on cishet dynamics, patriarchy; related incumbent power structures in the way “he” in the poem dismisses “her” arguments and tone and just waits her out.
It reminds me so much of the toxic relationships I know of where the woman’s perspective is viewed as emotional, radical, and so not privileged with serious consideration.