They sleep together in the marriage bed
The space between them unspoken and cold.
Unfelt, unattended things roam their heads.
He moves towards her without intention.
She tenses; her body stiffening with dread.
But it is only a listless move of sleep.
She relaxes then; glad he sleeps so well
And listens to his regular breathing.
Her passion, unfulfilled, left long ago,
Retreating quietly, disappointed.
His passion, long rejected, simmers low.
He seems happy despite unrequited love.
How this is possible she does not know.
Does he see better days and afterglow?
She does not have the solace of false hope
And hurries to sleep, to dream in color till the morning.

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