The Vow -- Marriage

(Dedication: For Ann, with love.) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here for a lifetime finds A union to fulfill: Flesh of soul, heart and mind Abide in love's appeal. I remember that day When love entered my heart: A very special ray Of faith and hope forged art. Then step by step by step A gift of loving times: Of hopes and dreams we mapped, Lived all seasons and rhymes. From that "I Do" instance We made a life from scratch: Our wedded persistence A lovely journey match. I remember that vow To love and cherish you: My love still sings right now A deeper love for you. Through ups and downs we lived Each to each a pillar: Shared troubles, pain and grief, Lovely grace our altar. I remember the church Where sacred vows were shared: Where our two hearts were merged When lasting loves were paired. We promised to be true In a lifetime of change: One life of me and you In surge of new and strange. The way and path and hues Gave us a lifetime here: Each day a poise to cue With love enough for cheer. Nothing can take away The lifetime spent with you: Thank God for each new day With a blessing like you. I remember those days When we were young and bright: A time when spring brought play, Feel now autumnal light. Change has brought times most strange As the world spins around: Yet our love will not change When our mortal fate grounds. Since year '72, We've journeyed together: Years stretched pass 42 As lovely miles render. As seasons briskly change Dawn follows that swift course: Day comes to terms with range, Dusk attends night's sure cause. Each day a gift of light To be, to see, to feel: True love is our delight To live, to share, to heal. Still face to face we smile Each to each most lovely: Feel gladness in sure style As moments hurl easy. The moments on the wind Where lovers dance and sing: We sense waves once unseen As passion finds sure spring. My darling dearest Ann, You are my soul's sure friend: The way life ever blends For now from way back when. I look to you my love For precious moments here: Our quest is from above From realms of loving spheres! Thank you for poise and grace That makes each day a joy: Your countenance I face Beyond time's fickle ploys. Our time on earth is brief For too soon the ending: True love can survive grief To glimpse everlasting. Death brings a new country Beyond our hurts and pains: True love claims a bounty, Eternal touch laid plain. Leon Enriquez 14 February 2015 Singapore