Marriage

Marriage

The golden circle round your finger marks an eternity

Of pain and tears,

Of prayers and fears,

Of smiles and kisses and promises.

To have: a person belonging to you, a gift of full knowledge

To hold: taking care of their needs, small and great

For better: when the laughter abounds, and the cuddles are close

For worse: when they break your heart and wound your soul

For richer: enjoying all comforts together, brilliant or sweet

For poorer: building trust and hope and harmonious work

In sickness: the smells, the groans, the aches, the pains

In health: rest and serenity, strength and ability

To love: the greatest of spiritual gifts, constantly growing to more than imagined

To cherish: memory filled with joy, pain softened by care, a lifetime shared.

Every adventure, every trial,

Every labor, every child,

Every dislike, every delight

Every weakness, every strength

Repentance, forgiveness, the offering of grace.

Giving, receiving, savoring, embracing, encouraging. 

Two become one.