We used to play mancala
in the evening or on a Sunday afternoon.

Newlyweds with time to enjoy each other,
laughing at a loss
shrugging off a win

wanting only the togetherness
and something to do.

Colored stones clicking
moving faster with each round

faster like time.
We used to play mancala

wanting only the togetherness.
One day we stopped making time
for togetherness.

No more mancala.
No more marriage.