We’ve been living together for many, many a year
So communication between us should be very clear

But today a comment made in innocent conversation
Turned out to result in unexpected aggravation 

That could have led to angry escalation
And perhaps to mutual condemnation

Suppose your wife spoke a different language than you
You were from New York City, she from Timbuktu 

Common figures of speech that you use just in fun
Might end up with your wife wielding a gun

Her subtleties about a certain flowering tree
Might go flying by, entirely lost on me

If that occurs between those with close relations
What would you expect with separated nations

The efforts made to compromise and put things right
Are often not connecting, ships passing in the night