As Custom Is - edit

[Knot]

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Hi duke,
inching, rather than leaping and bounding, but going in the right direction nonetheless. I think the third verse needs tightening, do you need its first two lines? Also, 'cluster' - no-one seems to know quite what you mean, so would it make sense if it were 'mailboxes' - everyone thinks they know what that means (whether right or not) and it wouldn't interrupt the reading. Alternatively, maybe say where the 'cluster' is (duplex, buildings, apartment, whatever)?

('addressed' given 'said'?)



As Custom Is


I met another man
at the mailboxes
and we both gestured
Go ahead ................................... why "" if a 'gesture'?
as custom is

mumbling
“Thanks,” “No prob,”
and “Have a good one,”
each in turn.
He addressing me as “brother”

and I him as “sir.”
though he knew full well
I was not his brother
and I had my doubts
about him being a gentleman

and both of us had really ............ the enjambment 'spoils' the ending.
wanted to go first. ..................... why? What kind of small victory does it represent?



Best, Knot


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