Time spent with you was not in vain.<BR>There was no way you could know<BR>My leaving you without a word<BR>Would strike so hard a blow.<P>You did not intend to plague my heart<BR>With chronic pain.<BR>Your main concern was liberty<BR>To have pleasure as your gain.<P>Nurturing my trust in you was<BR>No major concern.<BR>Your answer to our problems<BR>Was in those for whom you would yearn.<BR>Those who met your standard of<BR>No honor -- no grace<BR>Were thrilled to be chosen as<BR>The one to take my place.<P>They told best friends, a few loved ones,<BR>Even a neighbor or two<BR>Of your times together in the night<BR>And those of daytime, too.<P>On the outside, all they wanted was to<BR>Have a little fun.<BR>On the inside, what they really wanted<BR>Was to be the one.<P>You gave them bragging rights.<BR>Yet, I loved you through the shame.<BR>In their book, I'm the fool.<BR>In yours, I'm to blame.<P>The children's hearts are strong <BR>From the pain you have caused.<BR>I was in the audience and gave them applause.<P>I kept telling you, "Let's make the most<BR>Of our time together."<BR>You thought I was trying to make you feel bad<BR>About wanting to be with another.<P>Today, I have your attention.<BR>All I've said, you've already heard.<BR>I told you the day would come<BR>When I will not say a word.<P>The minister broke the silence,<BR>"Your wife--extraordinary!"<BR>The husband looked at his kids...<BR>His wife...and then her obituary.<P> <BR>Bonnie Belle Simmonsã2000<BR><P>------------------<BR>Love hurts no one.