Due to some family troubles (both youngest children being sick and not sleeping well at night) I managed to forget about the anniversary of first contacting my wife, so here is this year’s belated poem:

Risk

What chances will a young man take when love seems on the line?
Write to a complete stranger, take on a risky climb,
Share all his deepest secrets with a girl he’s got to know,
And hope she won’t run screaming from his inner horror show.

Swear utter lifelong faithfulness, til death they both do part;
Before God, friends and family, declare with all his heart,
That nothing can now come between their souls now bound as one,
‘Til all life’s tasks have been achieved and heaven’s wreath is won.’

Share all his faults and failings, all he has and hopes to be,
And all the fruit that grows on their new-planted family tree
Work to be a better man, nurture her growth too,
And always work towards all that is healthy, pure, and true.