Brian Johnston | + Follow Poet |
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Serial Marriage, Permanent Friend

My first wife wanted more than I could give her, 
My work she told me robbed her of attention, 
All my energy focused on ‘provider, '
Caused much more trouble than I care to mention.

What wives really expect can be a killer
When you dismiss their tears as just invention, 
Even if you love her like Henry Miller, 
And serving marriage is your sole intention.

Believing her tears were just unreasoned whim, 
My own efforts destined to save the marriage, 
My selfless piety filled me to the rim, 
And without outside voice, who could disparage? 

Many years later, I can now see my plight...
Both educated, I feared she might earn more, 
And her doing so would show me in bad light, 
My fear wed me to my job, a loveless whore.

I lacked heart to say I feared losing her heart, 
Which would surely reveal that I felt 'less than, ' 
Give her one more reason to think we must part. 
So trusting in love wasn't part of my plan.
 
I suspect young couples oft make the mistake
Of really thinking that life's under control
They think what 'they' give is worth more than 'they' take.
And feel sure that 'their' path will honor 'their' goal.

But a couple is always more than just one, 
The other's opinion surely worth seeking.
And yet when at long last your searching is done, 	
Don't be surprised if you find love is peaking.

It is good for the soul to release some goals
And friendship might just be found in the rubble, 
Sometimes a rest to just see how the thing rolls... 
It is a great way to stay out of trouble.

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