Memories and Heartaches

For forty odd years I slept next to this man And listen to him Snore. I'd fix his breakfast, Pack his lunch and Shove him out the Door. I'd pick up his shorts Do up his laundry Put the toothpaste Back in the tube. I'd bathe his children, Go off to teach And on the way home Buy his food. I stood behind him In all his decisions, Tho sometimes I had my Doubts. I'd married him For richer or poorer I was faithful to our Vows. The years passed And we were happy, The boys to soon were Gone. And then that dreaded Illness struck him, And our fight was all for Naught. I loved him dearly And mourned his loss, But that time too has Past. And I had learned What the word freedom means. No cares, No tears, No wants. Some have asked why I don't wish to remarry Why do I choose to live Alone? Because with love There are to many heartaches And so I chose to be On my own. Cile Beer In memory of a very special couple. l976