He feigned sleep as I dressed,
Fighting to keep his body still.
I could sense his awareness
As I completed my morning ablution.
Makeup carefully applied,
Masking the grief.
Mascara eyes,
Lipstick smile.
Coffee choked down
In desperate search for
Caffeine-fueled energy.
I race to the garage,
Careful not to let him know
That I know
He is awake.
Damn the sun for shining
Forcing this day
Out of shadow.
The radio DJ chirping merrily
Oblivious to the
Gnawing in my stomach.
Just another workday.
Happy anniversary to me.

(To help explain -- today is our 25th anniversary, but my husband is going through a mid-life crisis and we are merely roommates -- very friendly and civilized ... and like living in hell)