TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

I never thought when I grew old
I'd have just the memories;
of love so pure and lasting,
and gentle as a summer breeze.

He placed the ring upon my finger
and dark eyes looked into mine;
we were young and full with promise,
unmarked by the hands of time.

Mine to have and to hold forever,
as they played "Oh Promise Me";
We would share our lives together.
One true love through eternity.

Years passed by and we survived
the tears and joys, we understood
only by respect and compromising,
our lives would turn out very good.

We have shared so much together,
and now that our journey is done,
One has gone but not forgotten;
Here at home, there's only one.

These words spoken by my mother
as she took me by the hand;
"Listen well, my darling daughter,
When you wear his wedding band."

"To have and to hold is an honor,
Trust and faith you'll need to share;
When one needs the other, just be sure
that you are always there."

Countrymom
2/9/05

Written for the Common Child's Valentine Poetry Contest, in honor of my mother and father, who set an example with many years of marriage. They taught me that love is eternal.