Broken Promises<P>It was a bright and sunny morning<BR>Just perfect in every way.<BR>I woke up with a big smile on my face<BR>‘Cause it was our wedding day.<BR>I took special pains to look lovely,<BR>So you’d be proud to marry me.<BR>And be happy to say that I was your wife<BR>For the whole wide world to see.<BR>We promised to love one another,<BR>In sickness and in health, with all our hearts<BR>And cleave unto each other<BR>Forsaking all others until death do us part.<BR>Our two souls were united as one<BR>That no one should put asunder.<BR>I felt that our lives would be bright as the sun<BR>As I looked at you in wonder.<BR>We were busy working and raising our babies<BR>As the years went by so fast.<BR>I felt our souls part and wondered if maybe<BR>Your love for me didn’t last.<BR>You finally did tell me <BR>What I had known for years.<BR>That you had betrayed me<BR>And I forgave you through my tears.<BR>But I’m living my life in silent pain<BR>Because I no longer have your vow to me.<BR>You don’t want to marry me again<BR>So how can I believe you love me?<BR>You know how much this means to me<BR>But you flat out refuse<BR>So I guess you don’t want to make any<BR>Promises you might abuse.

Your poem was sad.<P>I am not a "sad-natured" person, but I decided to jot down some lines of my own. True ones but a bit in contrast to at least one element of the poem you had written.<P>I keyed on the word "betrayal" in your poem. Only because that usually refers (in marriage) to one form of betrayal that's most common. Mine's a little different.<P>Incidentally, I am NOT a sad-natured person and people regard me as comical and spirited. But I AM sad on one account.<P>Here goes. . .<P>I would take more care to laugh and dance,<BR>By marrying a friend. . .<P>I sought in prayer the will of God,<BR>But replaced it with my own.<BR>Now I think it's not so odd<BR>Reaping bitter fruit I've sewn.<P>Keeping myself pure, before and since I met my choice,<BR>Expecting a life-long companion sweet. . .<BR>No one sees inside my smile. . . nor hears sadness in my voice.<BR>Oh what folly though to keep the first one that I'd meet.<P>Surely neither one has strayed, but does that mean "been faithful"?<BR>I loath now all the years I've stayed, dreading those to come.<BR>"Faithless" comes in other forms, for some "sins of omission". . .<BR>Turning grandest promises to contemptible derision.<P>So my choice is my condemnation, and need not ever try. . .<BR>Knowing I'll be faithful, until the day I die. <BR>