My future self

In another universe I was a dominant spouse Like a dictator I relentlessly ruled my house Wedded a dainty damsel from another city My first flame of desire, she was wonderfully witty My need for control exceeded the limits of the sky Never paused to introspect on the reasons why I demanded treatment of a king and nothing less I believed my life was perfect, pouring with success She was a silent servant doing all the dirty dishes Never helped her with cooking, nor satisfied her wishes. She mopped every filthy floor all alone I forbade her to bring her friends and family home Her father said "Do not treat her like a slave!" But who was he to dictate how I should behave? My father said "You're the man. Control your wife!" I never knew her patient presence would soon exit my life My hand spoke a language mirrored by the mark on her face With a packed suitcase, she hurried home in haste Solitude was all I had to reluctantly embrace My future self had realized my conduct was a disgrace Her unforgettable frown never fades in my mind How could my younger self have been so unkind? The earie echo of embarrassment weighs me down For all that haunts my mind is her frail frown Forgive me! I never had friends nor a social life Nor learned to take care of the heart of my wife God's lesson I've learned. The message I spread... Make your wife your queen from the day you wed! In another universe I was a tyrannical spouse Until God took her away from my prison house And gave her to another man who was versatile He regarded her with high respect and made her smile Two years later, appeared my new beautiful bride After a lesson well learned, I let go of my pitiful pride I still have more to learn on treating her with respect Thank you, God, for pushing me to self-reflect. I pray my better side radiates in my future For I promise my new love I will nurture My future self will portray intentions of my heart... For us to unite with strength and never grow apart Written for the poetry contest sponsored by Unseeking Seeker NB: Written from the point of view of the male in the poem. The speaker of the poem is not the writer of the poem.