Marriage vows are impossible
As if two people can foresee
Anything
Which would merit a steadfast heart
Despite the circumstances
Foreknowing the pain
and dismal sameness,
Would doubtless send them screaming down the aisle
They have yet to know the true meaning of frustration
Or apathy
Or loneliness
A decades-long study in failed expectations
And deep disappointments
Will leave them lost and adrift
For they want to honor
They will instead endure
They wish to protect
Instead they will watch, helpless, as the other struggles
They think they can cherish
Instead they will question, do I?
Again and again
So they will wait for rare moments
When there is relative peace
And touch needs no words
And all seems well
Their only promised fulfilled...
Will be
To stay
