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Better Off Dead

sure...she'd forgiven
though heart had been riven
she loved him: a given

she said, "it's Ok...
that's how the boys play.
Don't worry, I'll stay
but not again, hear? No way!"

But that broken trust
shattered by his lust
turned contentment to dust!
Forgive him, she must!

she kept it inside
could not bruise her pride
to the gossips, she lied,
but something had died

she smiled and she gave
her children to save
Acted steely and brave
must take secret to grave

But what of her dreams?
in the silence, she screams 
her tears flow in streams

Can life be the same?
his infidelity has a name
there's no shame in her game
she's wild and not tame

So in shroud of the night
with no sound, and no light
With no one in sight
she slits wrists, oh so right!
the next day...what a fright!

Blood stained words that he read:
"'I forgive you', I had said
but when I'd lie in our bed
all I could see in my head 
was you with her instead...
Dear...I'm better off dead!

I'm..better....off....d..e..a..d!"

Eileen Manassian

Footnote: I am NOT suggesting that someone who has been betrayed take this path. I am narrating a story of a single case. I'm sure there have been poems, songs, stories in literature of the kind. I mean no offense.

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Frederic Parker

Date: 10/25/2017 5:48:00 PM

You wrote this well but it's a subject I've never been able to wrap my head around, as my way of thinking is if my love can't hold you no ones will...to be someone else's problem...one should give their heart, never their soul

Eileen Manassian
Date: 10/25/2017 5:57:00 PM

That's sage advice, dear Frederic. However, some of us are not that strong. A delicate mental health would probably push someone over the edge. Thanks for the visit...Hugs

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 10/25/2017 9:07:00 AM

Great literature taught to children is fraught with death. ie: Romeo and Juliet As I mentioned in my lower comment it gives opportunity to deal with difficult topics. I do as well respect Johnathan for expressing his opinion and it is coming from a place of concern. It is good to see two sides.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 10/25/2017 5:58:00 PM

Thanks, Richard. You are right. It is wish to welcome all opinions. If I thought it was a really dangerous poem, I'd take it down myself. Still...as only one person felt that strongly, I think it's safe to keep. Hugs

Sara Ella

Date: 10/24/2017 11:30:00 PM

Yes, this poem has a powerful message that should be shared and discussed.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 10/24/2017 11:39:00 PM

Thank you, Sara. I didn't mean to be offensive. I'm narrating a story. Betrayal can kill, if not the body...certainly the soul...

Tim Smith

Date: 10/24/2017 8:30:00 PM

So powerful Eileen...it's writes like this that brings about conversation...Brava

Eileen Manassian
Date: 10/24/2017 11:39:00 PM

Thank you, Tim. I hope others see this poem for what it is....

Arthur Vaso

Date: 10/24/2017 8:07:00 PM

Oh Eileen, so powerful, strong filled with emotion, and there are many, sadly who have felt this. No matter the cause, such sadness, or depression, is a terrible thing, and only by bringing it the light can we deal with it. This my dear, should be a Poem of the Day on this site!! A Fav for me!

Eileen Manassian
Date: 10/25/2017 6:03:00 PM

Thank you for this affirmation, Arthur. Infidelity does bring death....at least death of trust...death of love...death of self worth. The physical death is only the way out for those who are not able to deal with the extreme nature of the pain that they are experiencing. Thanks for stopping by...

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 10/24/2017 7:12:00 PM

Whew! a powerful write. I disagree with the poet below that this type of poetry should not be on the site. The reality is that some succumb to such emotions and a poem like this creates dialogue. I agree with Jonathan that no person is worth such an ending. Still this is a a sad tale as old as time.

Eileen Manassian
Date: 10/25/2017 6:07:00 PM

No one is worth of such an ending. Some are not strong enough to face the consequences or to constantly live with mistrust. Thank you for your post, Richard.