To My Wife, “Still Glad?” by Joe Dallas Poet Wanna-Be

To My Wife

Still Glad?

by Joe Dallas Poet Wanna-Be

We faced the man and stood upright

Me in a tux, you all in white

The year was 1987

The place was packed, the music Heaven

You showed, you glowed.

But are you glad you did?

He read the vows, then came the gaffe

He said “Obey.” You choked and laughed.

He said “Do you?” You paused. (You did!)

I said “It’s not the time to kid.”

So you said “yes”, and all the rest

But now, confess.

Are you still glad you did?

A week in Maui came up next

Amazing suite, fantastic (never mind)

Back then I wore the Speedos well

Today you’d think you’re stuck in hell

If I came prancing ‘round in those

So now, for me, more modest clothes

Less hair, more work day in and out

The ministry we dreamed about

Was birthed, grew legs, went on to run

Just like our two young studly sons

The fire was lit. Remembering it

Are you still glad you did?

No doubt you know we’re in God’s will

Mid-aged, and settled. Grounded. Still,

When looking where we are today

Would you have it any other way?

In private dreams you might just see

A partner nothing close to me

A life more calm, or better yet

No chores, no trips, no stress, no debt.

It doesn’t change a thing in life

To think “What might have been?”

But Wife

Although I know the course it set

“Till death do part”, that’s true. And yet

I’d like to know there’s no regret

And, by the way

This “Couple’s Day”

I won’t forget I heard you say you would.

For what it’s worth —

I’m glad you did.