The prompt this week at One Single Impression
is FACES, suggested by Lissa at Just Writing Words. (Thanks, Lissa, for this prompt.)
The word FACES brought to my mind the fact that we all have a variety of FACES, which show themselves depending upon whom we are looking. For example, I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a neighbor, a coworker, etc. For this prompt, I chose to focus on a role or FACE which is common to many of us, and is desired by many not currently in this role: the married FACE.
The poetry form I am using is the sestina, a newly-discovered favorite. To me, this is like doing a combination of crossword puzzle, Scrabble, and Sudoku, because, though I don’t need to do any rhyming, yet a definite form must still be followed. It’s so much fun; I highly recommend it!
MARRIAGE DESIRED – A SESTINA
At certain seasons of life comes the desire to marry.
Seeking a soul-mate, a companion, is a good desire
Not only for friendship, but to find a deep and meaningful love.
It’s not Happily Ever After, but lots of hard work
To build a strong marriage. Wise counsel, good advice
Are what you need prior to making this decision, my friend.
First, don’t be anxious. Stay busy with your friends.
There are lots of things to do, and places to go, before you marry.
Develop your talents, follow your dreams, is my advice.
As you pursue your passions, you may meet someone who shares your desires.
Be the person you want to be, now; with enthusiasm work
And play before beginning life with your love.
You desire completion; you want to be loved.
You’re tired of being alone; you want that dearest friend.
If all you can see are your needs, this just won’t work.
It’s a fable that life becomes perfect when you marry.
No one can make you happy or fulfill every desire.
Be someone of value yourself; focus on giving is my advice.
My dear friend, I have yet more advice,
A caution: Not everyone is good, deserving of your love.
Look for true character, not just the fluttering of desire.
You are careful whom you choose as a friend,
But more significant than this is whom you will marry.
It takes two giving hearts to truly make a marriage work.
No matter how prepared you two are, this is going to be hard work.
Your hearts entwined will still miscommunicate; you’ll need this advice:
“Don’t give up!” Learn to really know this one you have married.
Time and again you will need to forgive, be forgiven, and to love.
Even when you don’t feel like it, be a true friend;
Build common passions, goals, memories, and desires.
Dear little ones, precious children, may be the fruit of your desire.
This, too, is no utopia, but will require long years of diligent work
If they are to mature into people you would be proud to call “friend.”
I wish for you, plenty of all good things, including this wise advice:
Let all that you do, toward spouse and children, be done with love.
Then, when all is said and done, you will be thankful you married.
If you desire to marry, may this be a fruitful desire
Leading to a life of love, showing itself in daily selfless works
Receiving one another’s advice, may you find in your spouse a true friend.
