LEAVING

She knew she had to tell him
When he reached for her that night
So with her back turned to him
She switched off the bedside light.

She heard the familiar murmurs
The touch of his familiar hands
The feel of deft fingers
As they undid her various bands

But her body turned to stiff dry wood
Where usually it would just melt
Carried away by her own passion
Lost in the aroma she smelt

He felt the change and stiffened too
Asked, "Honey, what's wrong?"
Through her sobs he heard her say:
"Love, this can't last for long

"I know I love you, I always have
But I can no longer pretend
That you are the only one I love
Because now I have a friend

"Yes my love, it is really true
That I am in love with another
And when I am in his arms
I forget I'm a wife and mother."

The silence that greeted her
Was too much to bear
When she reached out for him
He was no longer there

"Leave now," he said later
"Leave to follow your heart.
It's time we began afresh
Each a new life start."

His words surprised her
She thought he would be mad.
That he cared not for her
Really made her sad.

"Is this how much you care for me?"
Is all that she could say,
"Aren't you going to stop me?
Or at least ask me to stay?"

"The truth is that I love you dear
As deeply as any husband can
And that is why I don't stop you
When your heart wants another man.

"A husband with a lover
Can never hope to compete
For no matter how well I keep you
You will never feel complete.

"The grass is always greener
On the other side of the hill
But I'll be here waiting
If you want me still."

Her own heart started trembling
When she heard his uttered words
She started feeling anxiety
The fear of freed caged birds.

Would her lover be a good husband?
Would he really for her care?
Through hard times and bad time
Would he really be there?

It's easy to be a lover
And fulfill a woman's dreams
But will he be dependable
Through life's extremes?

The answer that filled her heart
Was a loud, resounding "NO"
A lover as a husband is just as bad
And she'd have nowhere to go!

She looked at her sleeping child
And looked fondly at her own nest
Though familiar and somewhat boring
Her little home was the very best

Sumaitri

 
 
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