Three Poems for My Wife

By Jeff Kemper

On Marriage

I married a girl named Sue

And alas! She married me too!

 

As Then, So Now

When years ago and many ages since

My flaming ardor flared (now fondness thrives

For you, most wondrous of all wondrous wives),

You turned this mortal pittance to a prince.

 

As I was wrapped in rapture long ago,

I’m yearning hitherto for your embrace

While climbing now on heaven’s steep staircase,

Hand-locked with you, and leaving earth below.

 

So now, but weeks beyond the coldest times,

A fire burns within my heart and yours.

Emotion stirs to warm the out-of-doors,

To melt the snow and ice of arctic climes.

 

And as in wintry winds so in the heat

Of sultry summer days, your spirit soothes

My troubled heart, be it a heart of youths

Or aged men, you turn the bitter sweet!

 

When I am wayward, Love, you bring me round.

There’s nothing—no one else—whom I adore!

My heart’s affection flares forevermore,

As then, so now, on gentle, solid ground.

 

To Grow Old with You

I wanted to grow old with you;

It was my most enduring wish

Than any other I’d construe:

That I’d someday grow old with you.

No horde of gold would I accrue

Or pleasures on a silver dish;

I wanted to grow old with you

And now I have my grandest wish!

Source: https://www.classicalpoets.org/three-poems-for-my-wife-by-jeff-kemper/