Marriage

At first vows,
marriage needs to be nurtured
like a newborn babe.
Swaddle it in trust
powder it with common goals
nourish it with affirmations to
make it grow healthy and unique.

As it gets older and rock solid,
entertain it with laughter
feed it with conversation
pepper it with honesty
salt it with acceptance.

Later in life
as it eases into middle years,
caress it with understanding
praise its uniqueness
celebrate its ripening age,
a union grown strong
through time and tears.