Remember how you’d mock him
tell us his weaknesses, laugh about him.
Remember how you voiced your petty irritations
in every letter or conversation?
He would never utter a word against you,
as you wore him down, year after year.
Water on stone. Cutting through bedrock.
And now she writes constant words of joy in him,
gushes over him like a waterfall,
and he pools around her with pleasure.
It’s a relief to see his happiness, someone appreciating him.
I watch and wonder whether you wish you’d chosen
better words, or whether you savour being alone?
.
.
.
I could have written this about so many people I know or know of. It’s such a common pattern. One sows seeds of one’s own destruction.
Shawn L. Bird 
“…he pools around her with pleasure” is a great image.
Thanks, Jim! I’m imagining those deceptively calm pools where the waterfalls land…
Very powerful. Yes, this happens over & over. I’ve been a bit of the first and now consciously endeavouring to become the waterfall.
Yes. It makes a difference. I saw 2 divorces unfold this way, and in one of those long car trips we discussed what we saw and how we were not going to follow that model!
So witty and beautiful and wise. I truly enjoyed it and shared it with my friends!
Thanks, Melody! Glad you thought it worth sharing.
Reblogged this on Ro on a journey and commented:
Powerful words and imagery.
Those who suffer in silence, sometimes find people who see through it, and shower them with appreciation. I love it when that happens.
Yes, I agree.
Wow, Shawn… this is rich with imagery… love love love the water imagery.
Thank you, Lori.
You are most welcome, Shawn 🙂