The Lost Years

They started married life so much in love and such eager expectations. The future was theirs to live with verve, while tasting of the world's treasures. But then the secrecies began along with raging words of anger. The days all ran together as time closed the empty pages. Gone is the sweetness of the past and gone as well her ardent lover. She huddles in a darkened room, hoping she won't be discovered. He's quiet now, she rises to bathe her swollen eyes. He'll awaken of course to say he's sorry but she's heard it too often before. Their happiness in the past, was perhaps only a wishful mirage. Her love has turned to pain and fear that can't be borne forever. Swiftly she packs an overnight to slip away while he's still sleeping. This time for sure she tells herself, she won't go back again. For John's "Jaded Love" contest