Poetry Archives

Just fifty years ago to-night,
  When earth was mantled deep with snow,
The stars beheld with tender light
  The fairest scene this world can show.

Two graceful forms stood side by side,
  Two trembling hands were clasped as one,
Two hearts exchanged perpetual faith,
  And love’s sweet poem was begun.

For suns may rise and suns may set,
  And tides may ebb and tides may flow,
Love is man’s greatest blessing yet,
  And honest wedlock makes it so.

“Father” and “Mother”,—sweetest words
  That human lips can ever frame,
We gather here as children now
  To find your loving hearts the same.

Unchanged, unchangeable by time,
  Your love is boundless as the sea;
The same as when our childish griefs
  Were hushed beside our mother’s knee.

Years may have given us separate homes,
  Friends, children, happiness and fame,
But oh! to-night our greatest wealth
  Is that we call you still by name.

God bless you both! for fifty years
  You’ve journeyed onward side by side;
And still, for years to come, God grant
  Your paths may nevermore divide;

But, just as sunset’s golden glow
  Makes Alpine snows divinely fair,
So may the setting sun of life
  Rest lightly on your silvered hair!

Yes, suns may rise and suns may set,
  And tides may ebb and tides may flow,
We are your loving children yet,
  And time will ever prove us so.