Summary:
The poem speaks from the perspective of a woman addressing the man she married. She acknowledges the life she gave up for him, including her dreams and ambitions. She recognizes the sacrifices she made, dedicating herself to him and the household, often putting his needs before her own.
Despite these sacrifices, she expresses a deep sense of loneliness and a yearning for a deeper connection. She feels trapped in a routine, longing for a spark of passion and recognition for her efforts.
The poem highlights the emotional disparity between the two, with the wife yearning for more than just a comfortable existence. There's a sense of melancholy and a subtle question about the meaning of their marriage.
The poem concludes with a powerful image of a woman "wearing a mask of joy," suggesting a façade she presents to the world, hiding the inner turmoil she experiences. This final image emphasizes the unspoken burden she carries and the unspoken yearning for a deeper, more fulfilling relationship.