Embracing the Mundane

It was not  the best option

but it was the only option

She wasn’t the prettiest girl

but she was a lonely girl

She didn’t expect much

and he knew he could deliver

A marriage not made in heaven

built to endure on earth

A practical couple

Capable of earnest affection

If not true love

Don’t expect more

And maybe you’ll get

more than you expect...
always giving one another
more than they were owed

it worked for them

and that’s what mattered

moving ahead
by sharing the load

their first child was not the brightest child

but he was a normal child

(and we know they had sex,

at least when 
convenient and practical, 
so there was no other father 
nor ever a hint of scandal)

he was an only child

with not a brother or sister

was not gifted in any way

was not a pretty child

but was a healthy  one

closely resembling the parents
and acting just the same

they didn’t tolerate strangers

not before the baby was born

and certainly not after

they had no social life to speak of

but they all had each other

and there was the occasional laughter

they were a tight clan

of three

didn’t talk to neighbors

no reason to really

unless a reason arose

then it was short and sweet

that is, less there be conflict

something to readily avoid

made no promises

nothing to break
confrontation, 
never their choice

believed in a god

up to a point

took solace in their religion

but not in their church

people to rub up against

people generally hurt

keeping clear and tolerant

a means by which to survive
'getting by' was tolerable
so no greedy needs
to 'Thrive'

Involving meant 
involvement

which is where 
they flatly failed 
to compromise
and firmly 
drew-the-line
besides, Isolation suited them...
suited them just fine

menace creeps slowly

and waits outside the door

so check before leaving

can’t be too cautious anymore

save for the retirement

to spend before you die

what's left goes to the boy child

who has taken a new wife

she wasn’t the prettiest bride

it wasn’t the best option

but it was the only option

and she was lonely

as was he.