Sixteen years ago today, Sherry and I stood before a Justice of the Peace in Austin, Texas, grinning like teenagers and saying the words, “I do.” I won’t lie to you, it hasn’t all been roses and sunshine, but most of that can be attributed to me and a stubborn streak that clings to me like palm fronds in a hurricane. Fortunately, for me, Sherry has been able to weather the storms. I am, as the title of this poem says, loved, and I am truly blessed, as well. Thank you, Sherry, for putting up with me and loving me far more than I deserve.
I Am Loved
We were brought together
At the midpoint of our lives
Or so it might be
Who can know the number of our days
Sent He you on that day
In blue, complete with a sign
A smile to cast a glow upon it
Telling me you were the one
And as we sit now side by side
Dozing on this hot afternoon
I wonder should we sleep
Might we awake in heaven
Only minutes have passed
And as my eyes slowly open
They meet yours, so full of love
My heart swells with wonder… I am loved
Copyright © 2011 C. Mashburn
Submitted to Gooseberry Garden’s week #4 Poetry Picnic
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Marbles In My Pocket ~ The Official Blog of Charles L. Mashburn ~ Poems, Short Stories, and random thoughts from the author of "Be Still... and know that I am God" 
Sherry Mashburn said
You may not be perfect, but you are perfect for me!! You have brought me more happiness than I ever thought possible. I love you!
charlesmashburn said
I love you, too, Sherry!
Mom said
I am so glad Sherry was a part of God’s plan for your life, I love her and you both very much.
charlesmashburn said
Me, too, Mom! Love you a bunch!
Cheri said
Sherry truly was the perfect blessing for you!! and i know you have been a blessing for her also..i love you both–thank you for sharing this important day with us!!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, dear friend!
The Cello String said
Happy Anniversary, you rock.
well deserved marriage, you, your wife, and your parents are all blessed.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you so much for the visit and wonderful comments! I appreciate them and you very much!
Jingle said
enjoy a blissful day!
cheers.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Jingle. We are!
Ankoku Hikaru said
Beutifully written, well done. ^^
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the visit and comments.
Strummed Words said
So nice to be loved in this way!
charlesmashburn said
It is unbeleivably wonderful!
Thank you fro the visit and coments!
Donna Swanson said
That is truly beautiful. I am so glad you found each other. When love has turned to friendship we are given a twice-blessed gift.
charlesmashburn said
We were friends right from the start, Donna!
Thanks for the visit and nice comments!
booguloo said
That is a great feeling. You are blessed.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks! I agree!
terri0729 said
Absolutely marvelous, Charles! I too am loved though I don’t deserve it. God has a way of doing that, doesn’t He?! I truly enjoyed this very much. I love nothing better than to write poems about my husband Mark! Blessings upon you both, Terri
charlesmashburn said
He certainly does, Terri! And I think it is a true blessing to be able to bless those we love with beautiful words we write.
Thank you very much for the visit and the wonderful comments and wishes!
elainedanforth said
Charles, I was already deeply touched by your introduction, well set up for what was to come. Your poem is beautiful.
The part about being afraid to sleep, lest you might awake in heaven, and then opening your eyes to see your wife’s loving gaze is probably my favorite part.
The sense of wonder and the feelings of cherishing and being cherished are well recorded throughout.
charlesmashburn said
I have awoke to that loving gaze so many times in the last sixteen years, Elaine, and it still fills me with wonder. This poem was written last Sunday, after one of those times.
Thank you so much for your visit and your awesome comments!
Madeleine Begun Kane said
Lovely poem! Happy anniversary!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the compliment and the anniversary wishes, Madeleine. Both are much appreciated!
Larry said
What a beautiful tribute to your wife. Very well constructed.
Larry
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Larry. She deserves it.
Life: Between the lines said
awww! you both are so blessed to have found love and maintained it. AWESOME!!!!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you so much. We are truly blessed.
Rosie Gan said
You’e both a shining example to those who would want to express their love after so many years of wedlock, but are afraid to. And you are blessed. Happy anniversary, to you and Sherry. May the years to come draw you even closer.
Rosie
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much for these wonderful sentiments and well wishes, Rosie. We are, indeed, looking forward to many more wonderful years together.
Faye said
These words may be a little late but “Happy Anniversary”. It hink since you have been married 16 years that you both need to celebrate in one way or other – 16 days. 🙂 You are perfect for each other! May God continue to bless both you of together and individually!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much, Faye. I’m thinking we might never stop celebrating!
Faye said
I say – Go for it!
Kay Salady said
I love your poem and I love that you’re loved. God bless you both!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Kay!
Lisa said
Truly beautiful. Everyone should be so lucky to have such love.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Lisa! And, I agree!
kirti said
wow this is such a lovely lovely poem!!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you so much for the visit and the wonderful comment!
Dennis Go said
Such a sweet piece!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, I appreciate the visit and comment!
Pat Cegan said
Lovely. By the way, if we only got the love we deserved, most of us would not get much. Blessing for you both. hugs, pat
charlesmashburn said
I’m glad that’s not how it works!
Thanks, Pat. Your visits and comments are always enjoyed!
hobgoblin2011 said
Charles, thanks for sharing this write, and the preface as well. I always appreciate when others, especially those poetically inclined, allow readers a glimpse into their own worlds. Really nice piece
charlesmashburn said
Thanks for the kind words. I am pretty much an open book with my writing. Naturally i hold some things within, but much of my life is in my words.
Thanks for the wonderful visit!
Beverly John Probst said
Love your poem it has so much meaning to anyone who reads it , Thanks for sharing it. bev.
We all want to be loved in some way….
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, Bev! I’m glad you stopped by and read it. Appreciate the comments, too! I hope y’all are doing well!
David (1MereMortal) said
A wonderful poem…especially the last stanza.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, David. I appreviate your comments!
Seabell said
Just beautiful…
charlesmashburn said
Thank you!
chimnese said
that must be the best feeling knowing that you are loved in return…..
charlesmashburn said
Absolutely!
Thanks for the visit and comment!
The Orange Tree said
charming sentiments.
bless your marriage.
glad to see you in live and being loved.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you so much. Your comments are appreciated!
pure2core said
superb… really amazing enjoyed…nice feeling ..Thanks for share…
charlesmashburn said
Thank you fro the visit and comments!
Padmavani said
How absolutely beautiful and tender. To be loved despite ourselves…A blessing indeed!
Cheers
Padmavani
charlesmashburn said
Yep, that’s me. I’m a lucky guy!
Thanks for the visit and wonderful comments!
edpilolla said
you set a wise and magical mood here that is just awash in beauty. thank you:)
charlesmashburn said
Thank you very much. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
gomagoti said
aw,this is very sweet 🙂
The Oldstrong said
The two of you are truely blessed to have found eachother.
A beautiful piece and brilliantly written piece as I have come to expect from you Charles.
Well done mate – have learnt a lot from your work
charlesmashburn said
I agree! We are blessed!
Thank you for the awesome comment/compliment, Leon.
I appreciate them very much!
pandamoniumcat said
Lovely, personal and wonderful that two people can be so in love. Warms the heart! 🙂
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Diane! I agree!
William Leed said
Just Beautiful.
William
charlesmashburn said
Thanks, William! I appreciate the compliment!
danroberson said
When love can be seen, felt, and heard,
It’s so much more than a word,
And when two lives are so intertwined,
Blessings are easy to find.
Charles, your poem is beautiful and right for your beautiful lady.
charlesmashburn said
Thanks a bunch, Dan! Yuor comments are always appreciated!
Sarah Johnston said
Your poem touches the heart and it is so good that you are loved
http://gatelesspassage.com/2011/08/27/the-island-breeze/
charlesmashburn said
I agree, Sarah! Thanks for the nice comment!
Andy said
Hello Charles.
I think you’ve read enough of my poems to know I’m all about love. It’s what feeds my soul and my existence. For me, having a beautiful wife by my side makes life that more special, especially when I am burdened with the trials & tribulations that come with this life.
Like you said in the poem, things are not always a bed of roses, but you know that no matter what, you can depend on Sherry. You are most fortunate to have her in your life as is she to have you. There’s no better feeling of joy to give love and be loved in return.
Belated congratulations to you both and may you continue to enjoy many more wonderful years together.
Thanks for sharing such a personal poem & for the heartfelt comments on my entry.
Best wishes, my friend.
The Tenderness In Lovely You
charlesmashburn said
Yes, Andy, I’ve read a lot of your poems, and I always look forward to them. I’ve written many poems for Sherry, and in yours I see the same kind of love I try to express when I write for her. You have a much different style than mine, but I think we both pour our hearts out onto the page when we write.
Thank you for the wonderful comments!
lolamouse said
You’re so romantic, and you’re both very lucky.
charlesmashburn said
Aw, shucks, ma’am… it weren’t nothin.
Thanks, Lola! Wonderful comments!
Jaymie said
Wonderful sentiment from a poet that has already glimpsed heaven. Wishing special blessings on a loving relationship.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the wonderful comment, Jaymie!
Just a poet said
Very sweet.. Happy Anniversary!
charlesmashburn said
Thank you! We appreciate it!
dandylion28 said
Lovely poem 🙂 !
Janrae Mendoza said
wow nice ad lovely poem. glad to be here…
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Janrae. I’m glad you stopped by!
The Lonely Recluse said
Beautiful. You are so blessed to have such a relationship. Great poem, best wishes.
The Lonely Recluse.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you again! And we agree! Blessed we are!
Usha Dawn said
Amazing picture you have taken out or shown us about the love and the relationship … 🙂 beautiful!!!
Keep up the good work
Cheers
Dawn
http://www.fizadawn.com
charlesmashburn said
Thank you for the wonderful comments!