He closed the door

Not looking back

Walking briskly 

Well before dawn

Big strides

Cold night air

He was leaving his wife

While she slept

Without a goodbye

Or an explanation

Tired of arguing 

Too many fights

Time to escape

To a better life

He left his stuff

Tainted possessions

Relationship baggage

Too painful to carry

Drove away purposely

He was only ten minutes away

He felt liberated

Stopping to buy food

Reaching for his wallet

He could not find it

Remembering where he left it

He rushed back home

Tip-toed into the house

Avoiding the creaking steps

Stealthily into the bedroom

Picked up his wallet

Looked at his wife for one last time

She was still sleeping

She looked so peaceful

He felt remorse

Giving her one more chance

He undressed

Slipped back into bed

Fell asleep beside her

Dreaming of his next escape

She woke him with a kiss

He decided to stay

Maybe things would work out

She went to the bathroom

He was hoping for some snuggle time

But she came back seething

Complaining how untidy he was

Said he needed to clean up more

Accused him of being a lazy slob

Then they started arguing

He decided to leave tomorrow morning