Ken and Brenda.

How the years have flown, - and yet despite the ups and downs,

Throughout the hard times and the good, their love has grown and grown.

And even though these fifty years, have seemed to slip right by,

The whole wide world can plainly see, the love that’s in their eyes.

He was Brenda’s knight in not-so-shining armour, from the very start,

Our dashing Ken had quickly won our Lovely Brenda’s heart.

One night, when she was hiding from a most insistent bore,

She hid behind Kens Anglia; - as we know he always drives a Ford!

This is how a love began which lasted more than fifty years; -

Half a century of laughter, Joy; and now and then; - some tears.

Dancing and romancing, - from Brigg. to Caistor Top, -

It must have seemed in those young days; the fun would never stop.

But, as the family grew, they had three kids to raise, and cash was sometimes tight.

But somehow, kindly pheasants came to visit in the night.

Rabbits too made goodly stew and nothing went to waste,

Ken would always save a treat for Spot and Brenda would say grace.

You would think with family and work, and travelling here and there,

They’d have little time to help, but yet, when help was needed, - they were always there.

I dare not mention when Ken towed me back from York, - one stormy day.

Despite five Valium a day, - the nightmares still won’t go away.

And Brenda’s been a friend indeed, - the many times that there were friends in need.

And many were the ailing folk who flourished underneath her gentle care.

Mother, seamstress, friend and wife, - She was a staunch support in times of strife.

When life turned sour and trouble knocked, - she’d always have a brandy poured to help you with the shock.

Their family is all but grown, and now, the golden years have come.

We wish them many happy years of resting in the sun.

Until we gather on their diamond wedding day, let’s take this moment just to pray,

That health and happiness and joy will follow them for all their lifelong days.

Patrick W Kavanagh

The Penniless Poet