Happily ever after

And so he pledged his undying love under the light of the moon.
She smiled and twirled and danced and sang and was about to swoon.

The stars shone bright, as bright as her eyes while she listened to his vows.
His heart held on to so much more than what his mouth allows.

The story ends with boy and girl hand in hand entwined,
into the sunset they shall leave unhappiness behind.

The truth of this fantasy is more than meets the eye.
The story does not end. Indeed, this is a blatant lie!

The story starts to unfold with their first unfortunate row,
when unkind words are being thrown and frowning is their brow.

This is when true love is born and its mettle fully tested.
When lover is less than lovable but patience was not bested.

The plot goes on to thicken and twist around the lovers’ throat,
the monstrous boredom and routine are here to stay and gloat.

The story’s climax is attained when lovers try to vanquish
the flaws and vices of their mate which they discern in anguish.

The myth of ever after bliss, you see, is but an old wife’s tale
that true love puts to shame and that is in contrast pale.

Happiness is wrought each day in the flames of compassion,
a constant quest of love and faith that rejuvenates the passion.

When ninety winters pass them by, the lovers will still be singing
verses of their ever-spring in a story that knows no ending.

Artwork by Christiane Banna.