What do we really owe another?
Where should we draw the line?

I watched my parents live the life
of marriage minus love
honoring each obligation
that society and culture imposed

They grew old together
They grew ill together
They shared the anger that duty brought
but never the sorrow
never the yearning for something more
nor the love that might have made it all worthwhile

I watched my father die
at last releasing pain withheld
and now I see my mother struggle
in a lonely life
built on choices deemed right
only by someone else's definition

and I thank my soul and mind and heart
for the love that's been created
beyond the obligation
so that now, when obligation calls
the love of all that is goes with me

? Michaelette ?