Thoughts of Anna

Unhappy couples, each in their own way --
as Tolstoy said in his immortal book --
should I feel guilty, or be thankful, pray?
Avert my eyes, be trying not to look?

We do not, no, we cannot understand.
Our feelings are too maudlin, too sappy.
For those of us who're dealt a better hand,
a nagging question: can't they just be happy?

Is there some special secret to the task?
No shortage of advisors and well wishers.
You've but to raise a hand, begin to ask,
and they're at work repairing cracks and fissures.

The answer I subscribe to and espouse:
We know, deep down, the day we make our vows.