Harmony: An Anniversary Poem

A few days ago, on August 3, 2015, my parents celebrated their 35^th anniversary. I wrote this poem to honor them for their commitment and love. The older I get, the more deeply I realize what a blessing it was to grow up in their family.

Harmony

That summer day, long years ago,

You stood with hands and hopes entwined.

You spoke and merged two lives in one.

As on that day the church bells chimed,

The silent songs of both your lives

Rang forth in joyful harmony.

Each voice distinct, you sing as one,

An echo of eternity.

And flowing from those living chords

New lives one day began to be.

I, child of your vows, now stand,

A witness to your unity,

For though I did not see the day

When life and life were joined in one,

I’ve seen the flower but not the seed;

I’ve danced to music then begun.

I’ve seen you laugh and talk and kiss

And look into each other’s eyes.

I’ve seen you give each other rest

Amid your sorrows, toils and sighs.

I know that discord must have come,

And sought your music to deface,

But dissonance was soon resolved

By your resolve to offer grace.

Commitment like a castle stood

To guard me in my early years.

Into your walls of love I’d flee

When I was overwhelmed by fears.

And though I now have left your home,

No matter what I see or do,

I know that lifelong love is real,

For I have seen true love in you.