A Ghost of Marriage Past

You tiptoe about.
A child with a broken heart.
Quiet measured words are spears,
you tear a marriage apart.

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

We were "the couple to last".
whisper those who care.
Faithful vows, adoring snap shots,
weddings, graduations, family affairs.

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

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

How can you unite your life
with one who doesn't recall Vietnam?
Shared memories are joined breath.
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 stupid man?
Firm skin? Flattering silly love rhymes?
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
Edited July 2021