-
Get Published on Female First
When marriage is war
outer life a lie,
when mutual blame
inflames daily battle
(or hateful silence),
even civility seethes.
He criticizes, she sulks.
She pours another drink.
Ties that bind fray,
tension sends death threats.
Under the same roof
each lives alone.
Prisoners of war,
confined for decades,
interrogate motives
doubt the answers
force the question
demand decision.
Cease fire!
Stand down
stanch the bleeding
let the cruelty conclude.
Accept the inevitable,
welcome liberation.
When marriage is war
both combatants suffer.
Détente transcends defeat.