A REFUGE FOR POETS WHO WRITE IN THE LYRIC TRADITION,
WITH RHYME AND METER, WITH OR WITHOUT MUSIC
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WHY DO PEOPLE MARRY
Why do people marry?
I’ll tell you how it seems.
They marry not reality,
But the image of their dreams.
When the honeymoon is over,
And their fancy not fulfilled,
They set about to change their mates
Into objects of their will.
And then if things remain the same,
It’s grounds for discontent,
As each one doubts the other’s love
And questions their intent.
Seldom does a person
Truly want to change and grow;
And even then it can be said:
You’re moving much too slow.
Some marry for security,
Some are seeking love,
Some are social climbers
With a class to rise above.
Some dream of fame and fortune
And of life among the stars.
Seldom does a person
Love you for who you are.
Of course we all deny it,
And we say: go do your thing.
But dare a soul to try it,
Lest you lose your wedding ring.
To strive for self-improvement
To enhance your self-esteem
Serves to remind your lover
That you fall short of the dream.
So all of you who are in love,
Take this advice to heart:
Support your lover’s dreams
Or else you fail before you start.
What you need to find out,
What you need to learn, is:
Does your lover treat you right
And love you in return?
Loving, New Mexico, 1985
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