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.
