It wasn't that I didn't work, I did.
But, as you always said, "You work for
your heart, not for money." Because you
sent those checks our kids could thrive.
It helped me keep them in winter boots and mittens,
haircuts, doctor's appointments and with
a present in hand at every friend's birthday party.
Sometimes, we even took the occasional trip
back home to see Lake Superior, for their hearts.
When you said I shouldn't have spent
my one-time $1,000 bonus on a brand new
loveseat and sofa, I could tell you
instantly regretted it. You weren’t really mad
about that. You were just, well, mad.
I remember soon after our divorce, when
our son’s new winter coat was stolen from my car.
I cried and cried because I had no money left, and
it was Halloween time and that meant snow was in the air.
You said, still angry at me for being (just being), "It was stolen
on your watch. You have to buy the replacement on your
own." The next day I was pulled over for speeding (only
seven miles over!) and I broke down in front of the police
officer crying, "Where were you yesterday when
my car was burgled?" I'll never forget how he said,
as clear as a wedding vow, "Ma'am, you broke the law."
The day after that you called and told me to meet you
at Burlington Coat Factory. "I'll split the cost with you.
He needs a coat."
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six foot skinny
Writer to the Stars
Zyskandar Jaimot
Mary Ann Farley
thatdamnbob
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Comments
I should maybe clarify, this was long ago. We worked it all out over the years, and he's a good guy. But as Wordsmith says, it was a constant negotiation. And I'm sure his take on this would be eye-opening for me.
it seems to me you have a decent man who fathered your kid. this has to be reassuring. and hopefully, you'll maintain a strong friendship especially while your kids need you to be a united front. that is the best gift you can give them...an extended family.
sweet post.
R
Sure, my marriage happens to be brilliant right now. Good for us. But that is right now and I know many other good people whose brilliant marriages just didn't last.
My girls are grown now. My ex and I have no relationship. We both prefer it that way. I applaud anyone who can maintain a friendship with the one left behind.
You, I just applaud.
Again - this was long, long ago. I just seem to always remember that coat-snatching thing every fall. (And the dang speeding ticket.)
He and I (the ex-husband) grew into our divorced status pretty well and were able to co- host parties and celebrations for the kids eventually. For that, we are lucky.
Beautifully done, my friend.
The end - about getting a ticket - fantastic. Just, brilliant.
I wonder why our marriage didn't last? You at least have an Ex that came through when he realized it was about his children and not you or him.
I know there are many sad and not so good memories related to this issue on each side for so many people. I'm sorry for that, for everyone.
makes me pause and breath, and be grateful mine are all grown, love me and want me in their lives!
I know of this and I always wanted not to need any help and sometimes I wanted to run away. You give the ex his full due for the reasonableness and generosity that inevitably surfaced. As for the sofa and loveseat, it's been said (I wish I knew who said it) that there is nothing we need more than what we don't need. The sofa and loveseat were for your soul, for much more than sitting.
Thanks for noticing that part. I wasn't sure if it fit in the poem, but it feels like a critical part of the story.
Glad it was a long time ago. Helps to see things a little more poetically, doesn't it? Love your poetry. Rated.