That I should wait so many years
Years filled with hope and thick with fears
And then one day to find my peace,
My heart unbound, my soul’s release,
The era gone of discontent
Begin the glow of love well meant.
The time of effort largely kept
A secret place in which we’ve wept
O’er deeds long past and muchly sad,
To weigh the tide that makes us glad
Thus to arrange for recompense
And tears no more our eyes dispense.
But pleasure bring to those who give
To us the will and fire to live,
God grant them grace in their old age
And joy untold as their due wage
For leaving love at every door
That grief be gone forevermore.
Pray bless them well that they may know
From deeds as these all blessings flow
Return to them yet manifold
Rewards one cannot buy with gold,
A fitting measure to repay
Their kindly deeds and gentle way.
Of all the joys I’ve ever known
Not one remains to be my own
Except the ones you’ve brought to me
And offered up so willingly,
The tender smiles I can’t forget
The gentle words you utter yet.
May God to you be gentler still
And all your dreams may He fulfill
And mold your days with gracious ease
To aid me so that I may please
And share with you in some small way
The joy you’ve brought to me this day.
Claire V. Bogdanos 