Appreciation

by Cheryl Merrick


Wishing for someone like ourselves,
but needing a complement 
to bring us wholeness,
we narrowly squint at our mate,
enumerating his “faults”.


Sharing all his strengths,
our life takes on a fullness,
as we begin to grow in ways
never before experienced. 

But, instead of giving love and appreciation,
we allow our martyred frowns
     and sharp criticisms 
to express our disappointment 
that he is not fulfilling our every need.