A Ghost of Marriage Past

You tiptoe around this,
like a child with a broken heart.
Quiet measured words are spears,
as you tear a marriage apart.

Where have I been,
as you plotted our demise?
Too satisfied to notice,
because this is some surprise.

For years,we were "the couple".
"Those two will last", whispered those who care.
Faithful vows, adoring snap shots,
weddings, graduations and family affairs.

We know each scar and mole,
our bodies' firm and soft places.
Sensual lust with playful trust;
familiar expressions on our faces.

These days I feel weathered, gray.
I ache a little more.
How about old football injuries,
those complaints of being sore?

How can you unite your life
with one who doesn't recall Vietnam?
Shared memories are like joined breath.
Our tears mingled, a child ablaze with Napalm?

We traveled hand in hand;
childbirth, illness, loss of loved ones.
We had joy, the wonder of each other.
Piercing rains followed by bright suns.

What does she have, you silly man?
Firm, funny, flattering, words of heart crimes.
I have our song, children, scars, memories.
Someday you'll remember important times.

Here you stand, without guilt
throwing a precious lifetime away.
Exchanging Lenox family china,
for cheap supermarket plates.


By Kathie Stehr