Variable Ratio

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

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

A person, in a marriage
Touches their partner — most times —
Gets a push, felt sharper
Each attempt
And sometimes, only touch

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

A person, in a marriage
Is touched by their partner — most times —
Getting a jolt, felt stronger
By each touch
And 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