Vows Revisited

BY CAROLE NICHOLS

I want to stand here by your side,
As your partner and dearest friend;
To forge a future, two as one,
Your life with mine, forever defend.

To build, as equals, a home for our love,
A haven for which we may come to rest;
To shelter our hearts from life's storms,
A warm and sunny, joy-filled nest.

I want there to be no darkness,
For our troubles remain outside the door;
Be it humble or rich, it matters not,
For with our love, we shan't need more.

We shall stand beside each other
In laughter and tears, in wonder and woe;
There will be no pathways hidden,
For together, forever, we will go.

We shall treat each other with respect,
Deceit shall never enter in;
For what we share does glow so bright,
Where do you stop and I begin?

We shall ever keep each other close
And though we age, will not grow old;
And the magic that we give to us
Makes the sweetest story ever told.

So stand by me and say the words,
Let us shout so all the world may hear;
Love that molds but holds no chains,
Just forever, beginning as we stand here.