I sang to her in bed today

and was rewarded with a smile

the reaction was so seldom

I let her lay a while

Maybe this would be a day

of tender words, some peace, and fun

I stroked her arm and whispered of my love

and the full depth of my devotion

I lifted her carefully from the bed

prepared to wash and dress

the features changed, the jaw was set;

the endless compound interest of stress

We ate, and I read her the morning news

but playing with her food took all attention

the animal sounds and garbled chanting

pummelled the attempts of my affection

We sat together with some music playing

her head rested on my shoulder

I held her close and again I sang

all the lyrics of love I knew, I told her

At the end of day, and once again to sleep

I tucked her in, wishing pleasant dreams

We kissed and somehow it all seemed normal

but reality's harsh, not what it seems

And in the dark, without a light

the sound begins, confused and vile

On my knees beside the bed, I stroke her hair

recalling the glow of that brilliant morning smile