Once Love was the architect, bridal smiles and lace,
Groom’s handshakes, hearts entwined on a cake’s face,
Rich or poor, in sickness and in health until death
Do you part; shiny rings pledging loyalty and faith
In loving embrace to welcome a child or two with a home
Foundation that bridges nurturing dreams to come.
So when did this heart’s warmth dim and cracks start?
The first twinges of doubt, the first shuttering of communication?
The splinters, the embers, the mustiness of frustration;
Then the Call of Legal Forces pounding apart frames
Piece by piece, dollar by dollar, blame by names;
Except children cannot be divided but sleeplessly broken
Piece by piece, grandparents sidelined, friends forsaken,
Life-trust locked with sharp nails hurting the heart forever.
Annemarie Berukoff
Helpful Mindstream for Changes
