The Love Story

I recently published this same poem, but the format came out in such a way that it was hard to read, so I thought I'd try it again. It may sound corny, but people my age seem to be expected to be corny sometimes. It is the true story of a marriage that is fast approaching fifty years.

They were both very young on the day they first met;

It wasn't love at first sight for either, and yet

In time they would learn the true meaning of love,

A special gift sent down by God from above.

Before long he declared his love for the girl

Who he said he loved more than all the whole world.

But though she was young, she'd been hurt in the past

And was afraid of a promise that might not last.

One day before long, though, she injured her knee,

And he rushed right over to her house to see

How he could help her-what could he say?

He told her he loved her and stayed there all day.

He put her socks on her, and brought her a snack,

Helped her to walk, and rubbed her tired back.

She soon felt much better and then she could see

How good life with this wonderful fellow would be.

They soon said their vows and started to work

When it came to their duties, neither would shirk.

Working several jobs part time, it often was tough.

There seldom were extras, but always enough.

They had their first child in their third year of marriage,

And couldn't even afford a used baby carriage.

She made tops from the skirts she had worn in high school,

And with hand-me-down bottoms, thought she looked cool.

They brought home their daughter, and loved her and yet

They still loved each other, and would not forget

To thank God for His wonderful blessings each day,

And praise Him for letting things turn out this way.

He worked long and hard, and his job soon improved,

And after a while they finally moved

To a house of their own, and though it was old,

They worked hard to improve it and shut out the cold.

A few years later God gave them a boy,

And he brought to their home his own brand of joy.

They felt that their family now was complete,

And a happier one you never could meet.

The next years were filled with joy and with care,

Many days they came very close to despair,

The kids grew up, and grandparents were ailing,

They tried to help them, but felt they were failing.

As life has a way of working with others,

They lost all four parents, and sisters and brothers.

And again, it was just the woman and man,

Still loving as much as anyone can.

She looks in the mirror and hates what she sees,

And thinks of the constant pain in her knees.

He tells her she's still the most beautiful girl

That he married, and still loves her more than the world.

She looks at his work-worn hands and gray hair,

And thinks how from the start he has always been there

To support and protect her and give her his love,

And again she thanks God for His gift from above.

They both know their lives are approaching the end,

But still they're so glad they've been able to spend

Their whole lives together; they treasure each minute

God gives them to live with the other one in it.