Original poem— ‘Tarnished Silver: An Anniversary Card Message’

The flowers died.

The dates vanished.

The kisses poisonous.

Despite all the sacrifices I have made for you and all the devotion I have given you,

you keep reminding me of my worthlessness.

25 years of “loving” each other, and you still expect me to fix myself, insisting all our problems are my fault.

Never change because you changing would go against my low expectations of you.

Happy Anniversary, my love.