"A Life Together, Celebrated", a poem

A Life Together, Celebrated
by Margaret Bednar


Champaign chilled, hors'duerves out
Napkins folded like swans
Candles lit, music low
Minutes slowly ticking


Ticking, the minutes fly
Into hours, waiting 
Drooping swans, pools of wax
Time ticks on, music fades


Fades and starts up again
Her love and patience sure
His presence at their door
Reliable and true

True to his promise and

of vows twenty years past

He sweeps in the front door

No finer man exists

Exists with dignity

And love for family

They raise their glasses, “clink”

Lips connect, warm embrace

Embrace and celebrate

Joyous years together

Six children, memories

Grateful with heart and soul.

Our first few wedding anniversaries I went all out and created a romantic atmosphere... only to wait hours until my husband arrived home late at night from work.  We have been married for over 20 years now and due to his work schedule, many holidays have been celebrated early (or late), and some birthdays and school events he has been there only in “spirit”.  He works long, hard hours and gives much of himself at work but never arrives home unable to continue giving of himself.  

My husband is truly our rock, our guiding light, so to speak.  Anyone who knows him will not doubt that.  No finer man exists and I am honored that he still gives me a kiss every time he arrives home.  I don’t light the candles in advance anymore and I switched to red wine but I still, on occasion like to celebrate the quiet of the night and surprise him with a warm welcome home. After all, he is my “knight” even after all these years.  

This poem is for Jingle Poetry’s “Poetry Potluck”.  We were to reflect upon celebrations and festivities. I also submitted this to Jingle's Thursday Poets Rally Week 36.