Articles of Peace
Mar 2 2009


For better, or for worse
we vowed.
But when it ended
we agreed it was all for the best.

The children will no longer lie in their beds
ears pricked-up,
hearing muffled shouts,
the icy silences.
And we will get on with our lives,
perhaps better at friendship than love.

Trouble is, wars go on long after they’re done.
The articles of peace may be signed
the armistice proclaimed,
but the damaged lives remain.
Like veterans, in wheelchairs
taking-in the sun,
or the violated and displaced,
who take the war to the grave.

‘Til death do us part, we say,
and divorce does not change this.
At least in battle
there is victor’s justice
spoils to be won.
Unlike matters of the heart
where we are both undone,
yet never fully parted.