Words of Love

She reached her hand across their marriage bed,
It’d been a stand-off for so many years;
She prayed their love had not grown cold and dead,
His answer could allay her deepest fear:
The love for him she held in unshed tears.
Afraid that they had lost the life they shared,
A life of which he once had spoke with cheer:
She prayed he’d speak those words to prove he cared.

He turned to her as though to speak, instead
He turned away to face the wall most near,
Her hand still out, the tears so long unshed
Fell from her eyes, uncertainty made clear:
The hope that lay inside now faded here.
Her heart was pierced, her need for him was bared,
She felt the pain as knives, so sharp and sheer;
She prayed he’d speak those words to prove he cared.

For love to bloom, then know it must be fed
And heed these words, your heart upon them wear,
For marriage needs much more than daily bread,
Think not that words of love are not held dear,
For hearts will break when words to silence veer.
She lay upon her marriage, boned and pared,
She prayed he’d speak the words she longed to hear;
Although she now knew that he did not care.






Submitted March 24, 2019
Strength Through Adversity Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Gregory R. Barden

[I wrote this poem in 2010 during a time of extreme emotional turmoil in my personal life.  This is a reflection of how uncertain fear blossomed into certain awareness which lead to acceptance and the courage to change.]
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

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Guzzi Avatar
February 28, 2011 at 5:54 PM
Been there done that got the divorce grrrrrr sorry...sorry for both of us! Congrad's on your write. Light & Love
Johnson Avatar
February 28, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Congratulations Deb on a very fine poem. I kept coming back to this one. Great job. Soup Loe, Joyce
Taylor Avatar
February 28, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Congrats on a well deserved win, Deb. Nice going. Luv Ralph
Brown Avatar
February 28, 2011 at 10:27 AM
A big congratulations on your win Deb. I also believe it is one of your best poems. Love, Carol
K. Avatar
February 28, 2011 at 9:11 AM
What a very sad write on marriage yet wonderfully written that leaves an impact to the reader! Super congrats on your wonderful win, Deb! :)
Gorelick Avatar
February 28, 2011 at 6:36 AM
Not easy to write about this subject with grace..you did..congrats on your big win. BG
Sweetheart Avatar
February 28, 2011 at 6:28 AM
Congrats Deb on your awesome win in Joyce's contest with this unique write my friend.. so happy to be sharing the winners circle with one of the best luv..
Puddifoot Avatar
February 28, 2011 at 4:39 AM
congrats on your 2nd place win with this beautiful and poignant ballade, alas all too true in many cases...
Onclaud Avatar
February 28, 2011 at 4:32 AM
a gem of a piece , deb... thumbs up for the win.. :) huggs,nette
Dietrich Avatar
February 27, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Hey congratulations, Deb, on your BIG win in lovely Joyce's contest. This is a great topic to do a poem on. I once did one like this but in free verse. You really approached it well! I'm glad to see you scored high with it. Luv, Andrea
Pettit Avatar
February 27, 2011 at 10:54 PM
Congratulations on winning with this fine entry in Joyce's contest, Deb. I knew you would do it.
Fraser Avatar
January 4, 2011 at 12:56 PM
Emotion filled poetry Deb....:)
Brown Avatar
December 29, 2010 at 8:23 AM
A few words to let you know I have read your poetry today and enjoyed it Deb. I hope to read many more of your poems in 2011. Wishing you a New Year filled with good health , love, and amazing inspiration. May your writing endeavors become all that you have wished for. HAPPY NEW YEAR. Love, Carol
Parker Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 3:13 PM
Burgeoning love in a scintillating rhapsody! Enjoyed your heart throbbing, escalating verse!
Laan Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 3:09 PM
wonderful poem, really enjoyed it and it said so much to me, thank you.
Falotico Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 3:08 PM
Strong write Deb.. true Poetry you have shared here... your heart shines in this one. well written..luv Michael
Dietrich Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 2:48 PM
Awesome, Deb. Great emotion in this one. It reminds me of the theme I used too last week in my poem A Long Suffering Wife. Did you see that one? Like we were on the same wave length! well, time for me to finally get off here. LUv, Andrea
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