That Portrait Hides A Story

A farce complete
feeding illusions
of happy families
despite the continuing discord

A marriage possibly
headed to separation
alcoholism
surgeries

Smiles growing tired
that all is not as it appears

A day of serving others
enabling this façade
to be drained
only seeing the beauty
in the excitement of the children
oblivious to the turmoil
created by the adults

I wanted to dissipate
from the situation
the cordial host
receiving little for these efforts

An exhausting affair
to have these personalities
impinge upon the peace
of my quiet, reflective world

My lover's affection
absent in my presence
barely a kiss
to carry me
through these motions
for the benefit of her family

I would have enjoyed
an explosive conclusion to the day
seeing her adorned in my gifts
before granting me
the sensations of longing

But time has altered
all of these relationships
and any expectation
I may have conjured
is my ultimate punishment.