The Gift

By Mildred Barthel

Am I to wish you only joy

On this, the eve of your marriage?

I cannot lie to you.

There will be pain watching your loved one

Walk his own path;

For each must at times travel alone.

There will be denial,

For all things cannot be ours.

There will be moments of wonder

At decisions.

Greet these portions with patience,

And into your daily house

Will eventually come

The whole of joy.