Had to read through this twice to imagine and feel every part of it. I can relate to this in Kevin and my relationship, although we don't have a little one sleeping in a cot in the next room to protect. Our arguments have gotten quieter over the years. We lived with my parents for a few months this year and had to keep it down out of respect. We have two kitties that we don't want to stress out by yelling loudly. We know at this point that an argument isn't going to break us. We may spit venom, feel poisonous, shoot daggers, and steep in our bitterness for awhile, but we forgive each other every time with or without words. I imagine and hope it is the same in your marriage.
In this poem, "two hearts pound in poison," but there is also that undeniable connection tying you together - your shared love as you both are "fighting in whispers" to protect your little one "in a quietness left lovingly unshattered." Beautifully written.

It's great to read a poem from the genius that is Abby after so long!

This poem SO brings back memories. Once that small and soft heart grows up the whispering stops - or rather, the level of argument increases.
Then we get the rolling eyes and shaking heads that tell the other kids "Mom & Dad are at it again - wanna go out for a taco?"

This is a fabulous wrote and one which many of us can relate to. We have either been that tiny tot being protected for the arguing or the people doing the quiet arguing.

Great write, Em

I have so been there, sigh...after so long they stopped being whispers. Too much poison in our hearts to keep things going. You really did a wonderful write with this-

Sooo nice to see you writing again <3

The imagery in this is piece is wonderful. What a sad story this is but it is done well.

A fully deserved win. Congratulations.

Congratulations on your win! Very well deserved!

Well deserved win, congratulations

Congratulations on your win.

Well written. Congratulations on your win.

I have only just got around to reading this, it really is an amazing poem, you've captured a whole realm of emotions and thoughts, great layout and word choice, congrats on the win really well deserved.

Ben

I have read this a number of times and should have commented before this. Such a great poem full of angst and emotion, beautifully worded, I have been there! but for me there was no way back....

This is beautiful, very lovely, I can relate very well.