Dish Soap Opera

Each time you ask,
"Why can't you just put it
(The coffee cup, the spoon...)
In the dishwasher now?"
I realize I've failed-not me, but you.

I know my reasons-and
I need not list them here-
(And anyway, I'll do it soon)
The point is that I'm being asked
To justify myself again
And I thought we'd made clear
That "understanding" isn't tasked
With covering for your demands.

Perhaps the ritual
Of testing my defense
Is more important than
A confluence of need.

If what you're really asking is,
"Why can't you just want things
The same as me?"
Then I suppose that we're agreed.