Instructions

1)
you are not the cause of sleepless nights
you are not the cause of every tear
there is arrogance in self-loathing
that you can ill afford.
enough.
accept that sorrow comes and goes
and they weather it as you do.

2)
never let them see your other face.

3)
remind her.
you do not touch.
so you must speak.
a word of adoration is not weak.
she owns your soul,
such as it is,
and the least you can do is let her know.

4)
survive.
the debt is bright behind their eyes.
pay it, and keep your blood in your veins.

5)
take the time to close your eyes
to the glow of your many screens
and listen to her sing
as she cleans the kitchen.

6)
love her above yourself.
she has found the broken
worthy.
you are /never/ to gainsay this.

7)
let your wrath take course,
but end it with smiles.

8)
wed.
wed yourself to the idea.
wed yourself to the woman.
one and the same,
and both overwhelmingly beautiful.

9)
have faith that some day
you will earn peace.

10)
trust no others.