Variable Ratio

A mouse, in a cage
Touches a button — most times —
Gets a shock, sensed deeper
Each attempt —
Sometimes, only food

For deeper shock, most times —
Would the mouse, risk
Getting food —

A person, in a marriage
Touches, a partner — most times —
Receives a push — felt sharper
Each attempt —
Sometimes, only touch

For a sharper push — most times
Would the person, risk
Getting touched —

A person — in a marriage
Touched by their partner — most times —
Gets a jolt, felt stronger
Each touch
Sometimes, only touch

For a stronger jolt, most times
Would this person, risk
Getting touched —

What's unholier
Cage
Or marriage

Who's least tragic
Mouse, the one touching
Or the touched