Strange

I lay down next to the stranger in my bed.
The quiet comfortable stranger
breathing slowly.
He was awake when I went in to brush my teeth.

I wake to an empty bed.
To a busy life full of needy children
alternately hugging and pushing.
He won't be home until it is dark again.

Mid-day, I put the baby in her crib.
She's angry, but tired;
her tears will soon subside.
He doesn't take my call when I need to hear his voice.

It wasn't always this way.
I almost remember knowing for sure
he loved me.
The stranger I've bound myself to forever.