Words spoken plainly Now ignored. After thirty years of habit He stirs at 5.15 every AM… Regimental. After thirty years of habit She does not stir But sleeps through. Words spoken, no longer plainly But forced with effort, Patience used. Him, blind to her frustrations. A broken necklace, A torn handkerchief . A housewife’s muzzled huzza To husband ignored - Her way of pretending Everything is ok, The only effort from either To just get on with it, To get by, To wait it out. But still… Life goes on.