The wife complained about the husband
Every chance she had,
And frequently got in his face
With all that she deemed bad.

Her friends had gotten rather used
To hearing her complaints.
They loved her but wished privately
That she’d employ restraint.

Then one day after decades of
Their never-ending fights,
The husband said “goodbye,”
With a new woman in his sights.

But instantly the wife switched into
‘Round the clock attack,
Designed – at friends’ astonishment – 
To get her husband back.

For several years she begged the husband
“Please come home to me!”
Insisting it was best for all
And they’d live happily.

With years of pressure not just from
His wife but children too,
The husband dropped the lover
Then came home to start anew.

So from that big day forward
And through all years which remained,
The couple stayed together,
And each day – the wife complained.
                        

She made a comment
To which he responded,
Reaction created by
More than her words.

It also was influenced 
By prior statements,
Not only her own
But from others he’s heard.

Her tone of voice further
Affected his answer,
And what he’s connected
That tone with before.

Reactions aren’t just in
Immediate context,
Emotions have history,
Recent and more.

People are complex,
We don’t always realize
Just why we do things,
Our whole life’s involved.

Discerning and changing,
The challenge of growing,
Reactions are a mystery
Crucial to solve.