A Word about “The Longly-Weds”

The Longly-Weds Know

By Leah Furnas

That it isn’t about the Golden Anniversary at all,
But about all the unremarkable years that Hallmark doesn’t even make a card for.

It’s about the 2nd anniversary when they were surprised to find they cared for each other more than last year.

And the 4th when both kids had chickenpox and she threw her shoe at him for no real reason.

And the 6th when he accidentally got drunk on the way home from work because being a husband and father was so damn hard.

It’s about the 11th and 12th and 13th years when they discovered they could survive crisis.

And the 22nd anniversary when they looked at each other across the empty nest, and found it good.

It’s about the 37th year when she finally decided she could never change him.

And the 38th when he decided a little change wasn’t that bad.

It’s about the 46th anniversary when they both bought cards, and forgot to give them to each other.

But most of all, it’s about the end of the 49th year when they discovered you don’t have to be old
to have your 50th anniversary!!!!

Good Poems for Hard Times, Edited by Garrison Keillor, 2006