Friday, June 05, 2009

55th Wedding Anniversary List Poem

It's my parents 55th wedding anniversary today. They have five children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They've done infant foster care for the past 12 years and welcomed 23 babies into their home. I can't think of a suitable gift for them. I've written them a list poem to celebrate.

april 10 037

Things I've Learned from My Parents in Their 55 Years of Marriage:

Keep up with the car and it will last a long time.
Keep candles on the breakfast table.
Everyone comes home for dinner.
Pick flowers and enjoy them.
Practice hospitality.
Have chocolate.

Liquor store boxes are good when you move.
Keep a comfy chair next to the bookcase.
There is always room for more books.
Take turns washing the dishes.
Moderation in all things.
Have extra chairs.

Remember the buddy system.
Forgive each other every day.
Bring home surprises.
Go outside and play.
Stick together.
Write often.

- Andromeda Jazmon

The Friday Poetry Roundup is at Sara's blog Read Write Believe today. Enjoy!

On another note, I am starting the 4th annual Mother Reader 49 Hour Reading Challenge tonight. Rules are here, Prizes are listed here, and Starting Line is here. I'd like to add one more prize: I will donate a framed 5x7 print of one of my favorite photos and original haiku to the person who raises the most money for a Greater Good cause.

I have several of Young Adult novels that I have had on my TBR pile for awhile and I am looking forward to digging in. To make it even more interesting for everyone this year Pam has added a Greater Good component. I am going to be putting up short posts on all the books I read. For every unique, meaningful comment I receive on those posts I will donate $1 to Bridget Zinn's medical fund. Bridget is a Young Adult author, librarian and book blogger who is in expensive cancer treatment. Many kidlit bloggers have come together to offer support for her and I am happy to join in. If you can come by this weekend and comment on the books I'm reading you can be part of that too. If you are doing the 48 Hour Reading challenge let me know and I'll come and follow you too!

12 comments:

Tricia said...

This is lovely. My parents would have celebrated their 57th anniversary on mother's day. The staying power of marriages like your parents and mine simply amazes me. I don't think I'll live long enough to see 50!

Best wishes to your amazing parents.

Violet N. said...

What a fabulous gift. We get a sense of what your parents are like by the things you list here.

I also really like the way your poem looks on the page (monitor, I guess).

Sara said...

Stick together.

Love that. Maybe we should write it into vows and all.

What a perfect gift.

susan said...

Beautiful poem. I enjoyed your poem about your mom and now this. It's clear the impact they've made on you. Somehow I know your boys have it just as good.

Shelley said...

Such sweetness. Thank you for sharing this. Makes me wonder what our boy will say.

Andromeda Jazmon said...

Thank you all for these nice comments.

Trisha, thanks for sharing that about your parents. I am sorry your dad didn't make it to the next anniversary. 57 years is really something! How is your mom doing?

Vivian Mahoney said...

Happy Anniversary to your parents! And one more thing to celebrate--you've won a copy of Graceling!

jama said...

Happy Anniversary to your parents! Beautiful poem and tribute. Bring surprises and have chocolate are my fave things on the list :).

Liz in Ink said...

The buddy system indeed. Soooo touching...

Elaine Magliaro said...

Andi,

What a lovely gift for your parents. I hope they have a wonderful anniversary. They sound like exceptional people.

Mary Lee said...

There does, indeed, come a time when buying more STUFF for one's parents doesn't make sense. My mom turns 82 in a couple of weeks. I think I'll start trying to write a poem to her...thanks for the inspiration!

laurasalas said...

Oh, what a perfect gift. They have the things they need, clearly. But another expression of love is always welcome.

Nicely done!