Seedlings of a future,
mine —
tended by loving hands,
nurtured by warm sunlight,
blossoming into a fragrant garden
of beautiful flowers,
the sweetest fruit,
and gorgeous evergreens;

Friendship divine,
mine —
my heaviest moments are
spirited away
on luminous wings,
my brightest times are
enjoyed with you;

A promise,
mine —
that I am held safely,
sincerely
for all time,
secure from the world,
safe in love unconditional.

I see you,
I know I will breathe again.
I am eager for our tomorrows
because I recognize and realize
the best parts of me are
inspired by you.
And I am thankful that you are
mine.

©2002 by Shari Lynne Smothers

I wrote this poem for my brother’s wedding. My sister-in-law (to be, at the time) requested that I write something for their wedding. I didn’t know that I could pull it off; I had doubts for many reasons. After time, journaling, and a bad draft or two, I unearthed these words.

And, in case you’re wondering, the photograph is from my parents’ wedding.