Monday, December 27, 2010

"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

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

this is lovely.. mines here- http://fiveloaf.wordpress.com/2009/12/06/time-is-not-the-essence/

Anonymous said...

That's a beautiful poem and a stunning photo of your family! You are very lucky to have so much, cherish it!


http://jessicasjapes.wordpress.com/2010/12/27/stocking-filler/

Elisabeth said...

Yours certainly looks to be the perfect family, though we know that's not possible, they certainly look lovely and happy and dressed up for Christmas I imagine. Enjoy the season.

Lisa Gordon said...

What a beautiful post Margaret.
You have a beautiful family, and this photograph is just amazing!!

Maggie said...

A beautiful family and wonderful poem to your man.

Justine said...

what a gorgeous family you have and I love your pem

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

How happy and proud you must be! What a beautiful family Margaret. I'm sure your husband appreciates your poem and your open-armed receptions of his late arrivals.

You must have one very busy and I'm sure happy home with all those sweet, joyful-looking children!

Vicki Lane said...

What a lovely poem and picture!

Jutta Smarsinski said...

You're having a lovely family, no doubt. Thanks for sharing the beautiful picture and poem!

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

what a blessed family.
lovely photo,
perfect words to go with it.

Thanks for the fun and divine contribution.
you rock!

A++

Jamia Gilbert said...

What an amazing family you have Margaret! I absolutely love the poem...such a beautiful expression of your love.

Nanka said...

True dedication and great devotion!! Have more fun times together!!

Mine is HERE

Rosie Grey said...

What a wonderful poem and beautiful family portait!

James said...

What a happy nice looking family. The poem is wonderful and straight from the heart. I've been married for 23 yrs and for me it gets better as the years go by. I bet it would even get better if I could write poems like that. :)

Ginnie Hart said...

A family photo to die for, Margaret, and apparently the husband, too. :) What a beautiful tribute to hearth and home. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Margaret said...

Wow! Thank you all for the nice compliments on my family photo and poem. I know there are times I wish I could turn back the hands of time, but if I REALLY was given the choice, I am happy where I am at. No one can, so the key is to embracing and enjoying the journey and cherishing the NOW. Thank you all for being a part of my blogging experience, I cherish your comments here and have enjoyed most of your blogs immensely. Some are new here for the first time, and I thank you for visiting. Merry Christmas and Happy Joyous New Year!

Tess Kincaid said...

What a beautiful family you have!! Best wishes for a happy 2011!

Unknown said...

Both of you are blessed with much to celebrate. There are more years ahead, sweeter than the years before. Enjoy and blog on.

izzy said...

I love the line- drooping swans, pools of wax...
You say your just now, exploring poetry- ?
it is our eyes, ears and other senses that bring our voice alive-and you have a camera!
you're on your way. I dipped back into your archive because I caught 'pony' in the title. I like what you did with that piece! If you are honest and true to yourself, poetry will flow! keep writing, Thanks.

rachel june* said...

really love both the picture and the poem. wow! fun to see a family photo!

Margaret said...

Tess, Dan, Izzy & Rachel - Thank you so much. Poetry is so new and I am having so much fun with it.

Izzy - your comments are inspiring and helpful. I will certainly keep them in mind!

Jingle said...

welcome in...

Best wishes for the year to come.

six kids, wow, admirable family and what a joy to celebrate with this much love and embrace.

Happy Rally, let me know after you are done 18 commenting..no limit of course, do more only if you are curious and want to make more connections.

Anonymous said...

Admirable devotion and love melts before my eyes when I behold the picture and the wonderful thoughts.Keep your strength of dedication.Happy new year!

Jingle said...

nominate a poet from poets rally participants for week 37 if you can, then done.

Thanks.

Margaret said...

Thank you, Vishwasanand28 for enjoying my poem AND the advice "strength of dedication" as it does take extra effort to find the time with six kids!

Anonymous said...

six kids :O i cant deal with one ... truly a good write... enjoyed it.
Cheers!!!

Marian said...

oh! i just love this and what a beautiful photo. of a beautiful family! happy new year!

Margaret said...

Wiserskydiver, I've go "built-in" babysitters now. :) Thank you for enjoying my efforts.

Marian, Thank you! I enjoyed writing this one a lot.