She'd returned to an empty home
Only the dogs would welcome her back
She was used to feeling alone
It no longer felt like an attack
She starts to cook or study a bit
She likes being productive
Always scared when she had to sit
Always fearing he'd become destructive
She finishes whatever she was doing
He's still not back, so she calls a friend
They start to talk and it all comes spewing
She admits she thinks it's come to an end
The sound of keys and the doorknob turning
She hangs up and braces for the worst
The same old feeling of her gut churning
At times she wonders if she's indeed cursed
He walks in slow and says hello
She responds with hi and starts to calm
Her worries start to sink below
Her sweat still sliding off her palm
"How was work? It sure was hot!
Did you make sure to drink some water?"
-It was fine, I sweat a lot
But I thank God it wasn't hotter-
He acts as if the night before
She wasn't crying from their fight
He sits and places his backpack on the floor
-I want to try to make things right-
-Please take that ring off of your finger
The promise one I bought on sale-
The way he spoke with so much vigor
Made her heart sink and skin turn pale
She took off the ring and handed it over
He opened a pouch and dropped it in
He looked in her eyes and moved in closer
She wondered if she should atone for her sins
-I know I'm sick but I want to get better
That's no excuse for how I treat you
I know to you I am a debtor
But I want to ask you something new-
-In the event I stay the same
I don't improve or even get worse
I want you to state and make a claim
That you will stay and not disperse-
-You no longer feel the pressure of the ring
I want you to think and answer with truth
I don't know what the future will bring
But I will work hard and you'll see the proof-
-And while you think I want you to know
That I love you and always will
And though I reap what I have sowed
I'll never stop climbing this battle uphill-
She didn't quite know just what to say
They've been together for a few years
Yet from his face she could not survey
If he would laugh or break into tears
She pictured life without him there
No fights or worrying all the time
She could finally let down her hair
She would finally see the sun shine
But in her heart she loved him so
The way he laughed and the love he'd give
She's seen him suffer and struggle front row
He'd have to fight for as long as he lived
She pondered more on what to answer
He sat there patiently without a word
The silence hurt as if filled with cancer
Made better by the groaning floorboards
At last she looked at him to address
He tensed up and started to brace
"The answer to your question is yes"
Some tears had made their way to her face
"I know you love me and I love you too
I want to grow old and die together
But our fights have made our happiness few
I'm tired of going through stormy weather"
"I see you trying to fix yourself
You see your doctor and take your pills
But I'm also struggling with things myself
And not just about paying bills"
"When I see you I feel so happy
I feel at peace and fill up with joy
But at times you get so snappy
You act like you're a young boy"
"I want our future to be filled with light
Where I know what you feel and try to help
I don't care about the occasional fight
I just don't want to feel like a useless whelp"
-I understand just how you feel
You've got my word to give you that
I will hold up my end of the deal
He then stood up and reached out his hand
She took it into hers and stood next to him
-I want to prove that this I can
And what comes next I hope you not condemn-
He reached back into the same pouch
"Oh no, I don't want it back"
He was a bit shocked and sat back on the couch
"If you give it back I'll give you a smack"
"I'll wait until the real one comes
Not just a promise but a commitment
Until that day I won't succumb
I'm sure we can come to an agreement"
She stared and saw a grin start to form
And again he started to reach
Her thoughts in her mind began to swarm
He wasn't even trying to be discreet
He pulled not the ring but a small box
And from the couch fell to one knee
Her racing thoughts came to a stop
As he opened the box so she could see
-I bought this earlier today
When I realized exactly what I wanted
I wasn't sure what you would say
I didn't want to take your thoughts for granted-
-I had this planned right from the start
And I prayed you'd say what you just said
I love you with all my heart
And I ask if you and I can be wed-
The shock forced her to cover her mouth
Her heart beat faster than she could tell
The hint of tears now without a doubt
"I would like to marry you as well"
