Do you take this man to be…

I am writing this to you
As I feel your weren’t listening to the vowels your promised me
So I would like to rewrite my wedding vowels
I will not be punched, pinched, kicked, slapped, pushed, hit or choked
I will not be sworn at
Sworn too, screamed at
Put down or yelled at
I will not be forced to have sex against my will
I will not be spat on, have alcohol poured on myself
I will not be belittled in public or in my home
I will hot have my hair pulled

Are you getting this, listening at all?

In other words you cannot physically, mentally or sexually abuse me no more
You can shower me with compliments, nice conversation and even the occasional gift
You can take care of me when I am sick
Do the housework because you want to help
In other words you can treat me with the respect I deserve

If you don’t like these vowels then “I do” becomes “I don’t”
It’s your choice
And most importantly,

Mine.

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Comments (16)
  • Jesus NOT on Oct 12, 2006

    To Jesus;
    this is an avenue for people to write not to harass people. But it begs the question why do you keep reading her stuff. It’s not critical comments otherwise you would have given your real name but you actually put yourself in the same category as Jesus. So as for your God complex don’t keep reading Michelle Parkers writing and by going out of your way to leave a comment all your doing is making her happy while she gets paid for it whether the comment is bad or good.

  • sue on Oct 12, 2006

    Good points Jesus NOT he’s probably upset because he beats his wife.

  • Jeannie on Oct 19, 2006

    They are VOWS not vowels!

  • Lucy Lockett on Jan 4, 2007

    Hey Michelle, what a stir peice of writing has created, that is a good peice of writing!

  • Michelle Parker on Jan 5, 2007

    Thank-you Lucy for your kind words.

  • Gail Nobles on Apr 16, 2007

    I agree with Lucy. There are people out there that can feel your words and relate to what you wrote. Keep writing. Everybody is not going to be your cheerleader. You might get a bad audience. But keep writing. You write strong. You write with meaning.

  • Wink on Apr 19, 2007

    I think Gail is right. You write strong with meaning and with all of your feelings. Don’t worry about the audience. If they want to read your stuff they will.
    Heck, I’ve only gotten a few comments on my writings
    (as opposed to my artwork). My advice? Keep writing!!!!

  • JNV on Apr 26, 2007

    You have some great ideas and concepts here

  • Lucy Lockett on May 1, 2007

    Keep writing, you cannot and will not please everyone. That does not mean it is good or not good, it just means that some one has a different point of view.Love to you, you are stronger than that!

  • Meri Jeffrey on May 19, 2007

    Michelle, I love this keepsake – I will suggest it to the young and old adults in my life (soon to be or already married). This is family, divorce court or counseling material! Something for the home (and the garage) – oh yeah, keep a copy in your bible or wallet and store it in the heart! It’s an affirmative prayer! Do I sound a bit radical?

  • Lucy Lockett on Jun 5, 2007

    Since the time when you wrote this my thoughts have done a full circle. That is a part of accepting,forgiving and letting things go. I remember the feelings I had towards the first comments and I know I have come a long way, what about you?

  • R.B. Parsley on Oct 13, 2007

    Michelle, I read this piece. Its fantastic. Men who beat they’re wives shouldn’t even get married.I believe all wife abusers should be put in a boxing ring with the meanest men on earth and see who wins. guarantee it won’t be the abusers. Take it from a man, a man that abuses his wife is no man. He’s the lowest form of human kind. The worst. Keep up the good work Michelle. I’m 100% behind you. Great job!!!

  • Liane Schmidt on Nov 19, 2007

    Dear Michelle,

    This piece is beautiful and tragic. I feel the struggle of a lady who knows she is worth more but is frightened of that. She needs people who can help stand strong for her and support her like one would make sure the structure of a house was strong and sturdy before building the rest of the house. It also made me think of the movie “What’s Love Got to Do with it” the story about Tina Turner. If this is a poem written about true events, please know that love does not hurt you. Love is patient, love is kind, love is gentle. You have more strength inside than you may have ever believed you did.

    Best wishes to you, always.

    Sincerely,

    -Liane Schmidt.

  • Damon on Jan 28, 2008

    Michelle, this is a strong message that every husband should read before getting married. Actually, every woman should read it too and give it to her busband to be and get his reaction. If the reaction isn’t what it should be, she should find another man to marry. Thanks for this story.
    Damon

  • Michelle~Parker on Dec 3, 2008

    Dear Damon,
    How true your words are I couldn’t have said it more right. Also your very welcome if it helps 1 woman or 1 man then it was worth while.

  • Michelle~Parker on Jan 4, 2009

    Dear Wink, Gail, JNV, Lucy, R.B. Parsley and Liane,
    thank-you for your kind words and support.
    Love Shelley.
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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