She didn’t know her husband was depressed.
She figured they were equals when it came
to planning and resilience. He confessed
some insecurities, but didn’t claim
attention that he probably deserved.
Exhibiting some anger that unnerved
her when they fought, he warned before divorce
the kids would like him more than her, of course.

And then he disappeared to a retreat
of alcohol and solitude and dread.
He wasted days in dreariness instead
of fathering; his absence was complete.
He flailed away and cowered like a jerk,
and must’ve known she’d step up to the work.