In the spring of 1995, I was just winding down from a period in my life when I had severely tested the boundaries between right and wrong. I look back on those days and wonder how I survived, much less became the somewhat decent man I am. I credit God for both, but he has a co-star in the latter; He sent a beautiful lady–an angel, I believe–to show me what love is all about. I wrote the following
rather clumsy, amateurish poem a few days before the first anniversary of the day I met Sherry, my beautiful, wonderful wife, and today, 18 years after that first meeting, the words I wrote are truer than ever. Except that is, I no longer worry about her, because I know God will always bring her home safely to me; and I no longer have to hope it’s her, because now, I know it’s her.
God, I Hope That’s Her
I remember when we met
It seems like only yesterday
You walked into my life
I knew I wanted you to stay
And it still makes me smile
Every time I picture you
As you walked up to me
In that pretty dress of blue
I spent my whole life searching
And wondering where you were
And the first time that I saw you
I whispered, “God, I hope that’s her”
Our love grew so fast
We couldn’t stand to be apart
We were meant to be together
We knew it from the start
I wanted to be with you
Every minute of every day
Every time you left me
I wanted you to stay
I thought about you all the time
And I wondered where you were
Every time the phone would ring
I whispered, “God, I hope that’s her”
I promise that I’ll love you
For the rest of my life
I want you with me always
I’m so happy you’re my wife
Now, when you’re not at home
And it starts getting late
I sometimes start to worry
I walk the floor and wait
I tell myself, when you get home
I’ll ask you where you were
And every time I hear a car
I whisper, “God, I hope that’s her”
Copyright © 1996 C. Mashburn
Sharing this with the good folks at dVerse Poets Pub on their Poetics feature. It in no way fits their prompt, but I hope they will indulge me this trespass, as I so much want to share this special day with them and you.
coastalmom said
This was simply raw and wonderful with pure love dripping from every word. Amaturish is not what I would say about your heart. So glad you shared!
charlesmashburn said
It is one of hundreds I’ve written for Sherry. Most of them aren’t very good as far as poetry goes, but they are all full of love!
Aria said
This is just so very sweet. 🙂 I am so happy, you found her. It is such a wonderful thing to have found that kind of peace & acceptance.
charlesmashburn said
Acceptance, I’ve learned, is the key to any relationship. We can’t put conditions on our love.
brian miller said
smiles…congrats charles…it is heart warming to see couple that make it…which is sadly something that seems to become a challenge in the world in which we live…your verse has heart and even if you feel clumsy and amateurish…it has the essential element and that is the heart behind it….smiles…
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Brian!
Sherry Mashburn said
I knew the moment I saw you that you would be an important part of my life. I thank God daily for bringing us together.
P.S. I laughed out loud at your caption .
I love you, Charlie.
charlesmashburn said
Me too!
But… what were you laughing at?
🙂 Love You, too!
Susan L Daniels said
Aw! Worth of skipping a prompt, I’d say…
charlesmashburn said
That’s what I was thinkin!
lenwilliamscarver said
I bet Sherry treasures every stroke of your pen that brought forth the beautiful love you have for her. How wonderful that you both knew right away and have kept that love strong. I have to add that not only acceptance but falling in love over and over with your spouse through the years is vital. I cannot say the times but I know in 28 years I have fallen in love over and over with my wonderful hubs.:)
charlesmashburn said
I think you are so right, Len. We need to fall in love every day, and thank God for the blessing of a loving partner!
lenwilliamscarver said
Amen!!
Bodhirose said
This is so touching because I could feel that it came straight from your heart…and who cares that you didn’t follow the prompt! Not me… 🙂
Gayle~
charlesmashburn said
Thank you so much, Gayle! I’m glad you like the poem, and I appreciate the lattitude!
Rowan Taw said
Ah so wonderful – congrats.
charlesmashburn said
Thank you, Rowan!
heidi said
This is so wonderfully mushy! I love it. I think this is the poem that most people wish were written for them.
charlesmashburn said
I can get pretty mushy!