What Lengths

To what lengths would you be willing to sacrifice your true happiness for?
When each day is pure agony already;
You force yourself to lie beside her at night,
To face her at the dinner table as you eat your meals,
To speak to her when her voice is a mere echo of words,
After you have tuned out from her absurd monologues hours ago.

She finally notices your blank eyes, the smileless lips,
the wan look - misery clearly etched on your face;
Yet she has the gall to ask if you still loved her.
She suddenly raises your common concerns:
the trip, the dog, the bills –
as if these things still matter
like your plans and your dreams.

You have managed to extend your patience to unimaginable lengths
But the effort is not because you really aim to please her
With each tantrum, you’ve learned to detach yourself
With every outburst, you’ve learned not to care
Because with each hurtful word she blurts out
You love her a little less …
Gpl 4/10/11