In life we are the promises we make

'til death due us part; '

we are the vows we take

in ceremonies grave

in public places

or private private thoughts

(I shall never be like dad)      

(I shall never be like mom)      

vows and promises define

the sign posts we use

to navigate life;

from these our commitments flow;

from these

we trace

our views

from early on

bequeathed to progeny

who vow

for or against what we

stood for

and the dance proceeds

generationally.

All civilization

begins with

'I promise you'

all hurt and betrayal springs

therefrom too.

Promise me

as I promise you

together we

make the compact

human

which binds all life

for ourselves

and the little ones.

Humans mate

ceremony and ring

animals do not;

because promises

they do not contemplate;

for them there are

no golden bands

or cherished words;

no altars

or gathered friends;

No loved ones who

witness
or corroborate.

No it is only you

and I who

stand before

the community

and promise

today;

tonight

and tomorrow.

Intonate now

these hushed tones:

She:

'I promise you

I will love

you and only you

from now on

and take your heart

pressing it to mine;

your needs

are my devotion

and shall rest with me

the remainder of my life.'

He:

'For you I set aside

my heart;

placing it in this silver box

to be opened each and every night
only by you.

For you I set aside all other vows

and cleave to only these promised

to you and only you.

My eyes shall see not another

but only your face;

my body shall cleave only to your body;

my mind shall

feel the ease in the two we

are to be.

This marriage

is the joining

of separate people

who vow to become one

and be

each one for the other

consummating not ours but

Love's Needs.