Marriage Toast

Written for my brother-in-law

I do not claim to be a master (more so a novice)

Every day I learn something new

What knowledge I’ve gained I consider quite precious

And tonight I impart some to you

 

Above all things be honest

More important, be honest with her

In your triumphs and failings she will be at your side

And uphold all the oaths that she swore

 

Tell her every day that you love her

Some lesser men would just say that “she knows”

Your position will hold you to insure nothing less

Through your affection she prospers and grows

 

Accept that some days will be bad days

And others you will reserve as the worst

Keep your resolve to bring her through these

For these moments will determine your worth

 

Never forget to have fun

It is your laughter you will treasure the most

Your smiles open wide till there’s pain in your side

The joy in your lives keeps you close

 

As a leader conduct yourself a servant

And give her the support that she needs

There is no better way than to show her each day

 “You before me” is your motto and creed

 

Take stock the advice of your elders

No better resource for wisdom exists

Through their lives you will see who you want to be

Each story and lesson a gift

 

So as we celebrate I ask raise your glasses

For we have come to the end of my rhyme

We wish you the best in all that you do

May your love bud and blossom through time

Cheers

 

Reviews

[Papaya]

That was spectacular. Truly.
I really enjoyed reading all the wisdom in this.
Wise yet so simple and common sense right?
People try too hard sometimes but it's not about trying too hard for grand gestures. As your writing says, it's about the everyday things.
Two things to consider. In your third verse change "insure" to "ensure". Also, third verse from bottom where you say leader would you consider partner? As a woman I don't warm to that word describing a husband. Small thing though. This is really lovely and I'm happy I popped in to read it.

[Mitch]

Thanks for your kind words and notes. I agree, sometimes people overlook the simple things. Master those and you have the best shot at success. In looking at ensure vs insure, I don't see my thesaurus making a real difference between the two. If it's more practical for the ensure, that's an easy move. In looking at leader, I don't mean it as a boss between the two, more as head of the household and lead for the family. The best way for a husband to do this is to make himself a servant. Would changing "her leader" to "a leader* work better as you read it?

[Papaya]

Maybe insure vs ensure is a preference thing. Ensure is more often used when relating to people vs things. As for the leader comment, yes "a leader" is better for me. You'll have some female readers who want men to see them as equals not "pets". It's not wrong as it reads it's just a preference thing. :)

[Papaya]

Btw. I just noticed you wrote this for your brother in law. So really you wrote it for your sister? That's sweet. I like that.

[Mitch]

Actually it's for my wife's brother. This is stuff I got a better grip on while being married to his sister. Hopefully it's just as sweet.

[Papaya]

It is equally sweet. Probably good for him to know that you live his sister that much too. So perhaps comforting and reassuring too. :)

[WithinTheHeart]

Words of wisdom and truth.
Such a uplifting piece!
I loved your choice of words and expression.

This is definitely a keeper!

[Mitch]

I tried to make the points here some basic truths but still keep it fun. Thanks for the read and review!