I wrote this poem for a friend to present to her parents at their 40th wedding anniversary. She wrote down her memories growing up and wanted them put in a poem. It was a great exercise for me and the poem was well received.

As I look over the landscape
Of my life throughout the years
As I contemplate the memories
Filled with laughter and with tears
As we celebrate the days to come
And the Love that is our treasure
I’m reminded of this simple fact
We had happiness beyond measure

Sure life was sometimes difficult
7 lives barely contained
Inside 4 walls on Florida St.
But Love was not constrained
5 of us kids found endless fun
Banging away on pots and pans
Smiling innocent dirty faces,
Clapping muddy little hands

Then we moved into a Palace,
With a yard where we could play
The 3 bedrooms were a dream!
My fondest memory to this day
The fruit trees and the playhouse
Each an unexpected pleasure
When I look back its so obvious
We had happiness beyond measure

Mom’s Kingdom Hall adventures
With 5 rowdy kids in tow
And the Hot Wheels tracks she used
To keep us seated in our row
The times that we went camping
And Dad taught us how to swim
The loving patience that he showed
Drew us all so close to him

Yes these memories are a landscape
Filled with love we’ll always share
And these words a grateful ‘Thank You’
For your always being there
We celebrate the both of you
Your Love has been our treasure
Reminds us of this simple truth
We have happiness beyond measure

Copyright ©2005 Anthony Hall