Poem For a Golden Wedding

March 7, 1980

What an exciting day to celebrate! The proof that a "forever" does exist, That unimaginable, far-off state New lovers promise as they've ringed and kissed. Blithely we guests enjoy the gold-rosed cake, A host of friends sharing a common bond: The love that you have lavished for love's sake Gathering us like green rushes round a pond. No formula fits fifty years together Except, -- each heart in years of various choice Must have been somewhat kinder to the other And minds, diverse, learned how to find one voice.