Embattled Poem by R B Seals

Imprisoned by mechanism of pride,
Feelings—internal—hard to declare;
All the while masking anguish
And discontent—a lethal pair.

Shoulders rigid, set straight,
He demonstrates a mood—an air;
His eyes forward, locked, projecting
Pretense he doesn't care.

Maneuvered by love, as in war,
Where all is said to be fair;
Sincerity proves little comfort
In arrangement difficult to bear.

A relationship with consequence;
Trials exceed more than rare.
Emotions succumb to strain—
A love failing beyond repair!