Secrets Of A Happy Marriage Poem by Peter J White

At weddings, you’ll agree, champagne all round’s the very best
To celebrate that fizz and froth, when everybody’s overdressed,
Each man in his sharpest suit; the ladies‘ hats all wine and fruit;
The bride a picture in a dream of sugared apricots and cream,
In mute, forgivable white lies; bridesmaids blushing at the guys.
And, naturally I join the fun; hope and pray the gears will mesh,
But in my mind a darker course, ten years or so into their theme. Assimilation
In the flesh, but maybe not in spirit. Just one chance in three - (or do we now
Take steeper gambles?) of sharing until death; two, the shambles of divorce.

I want to shout (though not good form!) the noble promises were sweet,
But life‘s a marathon; you’ll find that happiness is incomplete
Unless a conscious effort’s made to cast aside self centred pride;
To excel in respect; most honour given to your spouse. A wrecked
Relationship ensues when either one descends to use
Insulting innuendo, sneers, making small, and biting sarcasm above all.
Authentic Love, whole, complete, when both express their doubts and fears
Comes, a gentle soul, no sham or guile on silent, radiant feet, never too late
To cheer you both into a smile. Attack the problem not your mate!

Wives, when he’s wrong don’t fix the blame. Don’t blow your cool!
Claim only the right to speak the truth in love. Tranquil is your watch-word
Not recrimination. Are you in a class of your own? Though not agreeing
Let it pass! The fight’s not worth the aggravation of seeing him closed down;
Telling Thursday’s child how far he has to go; No, no. Tell him how far he’s come!
Encourage and forgive each other. (If we were all the same- what a bore!)
Yes sure, your man will disappoint and let you down, wear a frown on bad days.
He’s human! So are you. Admit your weakness first before you tell him his.
Don’t bad mouth him to your friends. Be positive. Tell them he’s the best there is!

Husbands! Disagree with a caress, with calm; don’t be disagreeable;
Walk arm in arm, in harmony, even when you don’t see eye to eye.
A marriage full of bickering, of mine, myself and I is built on sand.
I’ll lay it on the line, a house divided cannot stand. See! Two roads!
Good and evil lie before you. The choice is yours, your life, your destiny.
Stay strong! Don't screw up and make a hash of it. Recognise the enemy!
Have no doubt he bottle and the batted eye lash will destroy you.
The grass is not greener there, nor brighter through the bottom of a glass
The end of life is learning how to love they say! Begin at home, today!