He's Just Yes-Dearing Me Again

I asked him what he thought about it, He said, “Whatever you think.” I said, “That ain’t what I asked you.” He nodded, took another drink. I said, “Do you like this color?” He said, “Looks good from where I sit.” I said, “You haven’t even looked yet.” He said, “Baby, I trust your pick.” He’s just yes-dearing me again, Nodding like he’s listening, Throwing out a “sure thing, babe” Before I even finish it. I know that little look he gets, That “keep the peace” old grin— He ain’t really agreeing with me, He’s just yes-dearing me again. I said, “Should we move the sofa?” He said, “Yeah, that might look nice.” I moved it back an hour later, He said, “That’s better” without thinking twice. I said, “Maybe we need chickens.” He said, “Sure, we got the yard.” I said, “Maybe twelve or twenty.” That’s when listening got hard. He’s just yes-dearing me again, Nodding like he’s listening, Throwing out a “whatever you want” Like that settles everything. I know that little look he gets, That “Lord, don’t let this begin”— He ain’t really agreeing with me, He’s just yes-dearing me again. His daddy must’ve taught him young, There’s hills you die upon, And then there’s times you smile real sweet And just keep moving on. He’s just yes-dearing me again, And I know exactly why, He’s learned a happy marriage Sometimes means you don’t reply. One of these days I’m gonna ask him Something he can’t nod his way through— “Do you even know what we’re talking about?” He’ll say, “Sure, dear. Whatever you wanna do.” I said, “You didn’t hear a word I said.” He kissed me on the cheek. “Of course I did, dear.”