Premarital Vows

I wrote the following under the influence of dazzling daylight, a brilliant blue sky, a comfortably cool breeze, and the sultry sounds of Brian Culbertson’s piano, along with vivid visions of last night’s temper tantrum still erupting in my mind.


I can not promise I will never become angry at you.
I do promise I will be happy with you.
There will be times when I will only want to speak my mind, but I pledge to always listen to my heart. 
I can not guarantee you a time without tears.
I can assure you a life full of laughter.
I can not prevent the sorrows.
I can ensure the joys that follow.
I will not promise to be less busy—only to never be too busy for you.
I confess I may, at times, hold on too tight; but, rest assured, I will never let go.
I can not positively promise to condone everything you do.
I can absolutely promise to respect all you are.
There will be instances when I judge your exterior.
Despite such shortcomings I will never forget that what is inside counts more.

I may not fully understand—or even appreciate—what you are.
I do, however, promise to understand, appreciate, and love who you are.
I accepted you when I accepted your ring.
Therefore, you are mine and I am yours.

In time we both may change, but our love will remain the same.
‘Til death do us part, though it is not long enough.

Ever mine.
Ever thine.
Ever ours.

Such is the love we share.
That is my vow to you.