Our Wedding Anniversary

Unlike as in the West, there was no dating in our time. After a formal meeting before the family members, the boy and girl will be allowed sometime for a private talk. (that too only if the parents are progressive) If they like each other, and if the families match, some kind of a consensus will be reached. Before any long or meaningful communication takes place, the marriage will be fixed. It was almost a leap into the unknown....! Now things are different. As time ticks, petals fall and wheels roll. Wheezy winds of days wistfully wing waving away. Can’t believe 43 years have peacefully passed. Today is our anniversary of conjugal and connubial bliss Moistening eyes with a melange of misty memories, They cascade down the currents through every crease and crevice. Lifting the veil off my dim, dusky mind, The past comes alive with fervid fragrance. We saw each other on a cheerful Christmas Eve. Amid gazing eyes, we stood flustered and fazed. As Time, like a dopey dawdling toddler, Crawled and crept away on hands and legs, How we simply stood and stared at each other, Unable to commune or convey our thoughts in lucid language. Later in the most auspicious and propitious moment, Solemnly holding hands, we set out to sail in the sea of life. Memories so green and grey linger, my dear, As though it all happened just days ago. With fervid interest and fervent enthusiasm, We pledged to plod through the path of life at length. Graciousness and grace then walked hand in hand. Warm blood flowed through every capillary and vein. Days flew, time sped and months into years fled. Amid lilts of laughter and trickling tears, How the steep stairs of life we climbed! Through long and labyrinthine paths we plodded, Pausing uncertain and undecided on turns and twists But holding fast and never loosening our grip. We have watched the decay and death of spring We have bore the heat and humidity of summer, Seen leaves drop in maturing and mellowing autumn Now the brisk and bleak shroud of winter is about to veil Without rebellion or revolt, let us face and favor life With thankfulness, ticking, throbbing and tingling Till Death disconnect and disjoint us, Oh! My Love, Let us hold our hands and hearts together And gaily and gleefully wait till final sunset slowly sets in! August.6.2022 ~ Placed First~ Anniversary Poetry Contest Sponsor- Sara Kendrick