[The following was submitted by a visitor to this
site. It's sad, but well-written, thoughtful, and representative
of many non-poetic letters I get. I thought I would share
it with you with her permission. I would only add one thing.
I receive a growing number of similar sentiments from men
as well as women. Sexual equality is here.]
The Quest and the Crisis
When you are late, being with her, it hurts, even though
I know where you are
My stomach aches and churns and I feel betrayed, a little
lost and scared
You say you need to be friends with her, talk and enjoy
the tenderness
While I consider how much of your heart you have already
given away
She gives you joy, shares your pain, feeds upon your smile
and touch
And I have been here for many years, a steady, predictable
part of your life
I can't compete with such a love, one that is exciting,
like a fairy tale dream
My love is true, I promised forever, but my marriage has
conditions too
I need your love, and commitment and a connection that cannot
be shared
Yes, I want a friend who has compassion, but I must be first
in your heart
I need a partner who knows the limits, and pledges life
long devotion to me
I cannot keep waiting forever knowing your commitment to
her just grows
Waiting for you to choose, is it me and our marriage or
her and all that is new
I am so surprised that the solid guy I married could be
so tempted to stray
Yet take a look, it is really my life and the changes are
becoming quite clear
So how do I keep on going, maybe without you, what steps
do I take from here
I am hurting but hoping I will find the patience to live
one day at a time
Do I kick you out upon your ear, forcing you straight into
her arms if I do
Shall I get sick and miserable and require a guide, filling
your need to rescue
Or do I look for another man in my life and expand the options
for me
I might consider a plan to wait, to see if our love is strong
enough to survive
One thing is clear, as you go through this quest, the crisis
often seems to be mine
