For forty years and four, we saw ourselves as one,
Two jigsaw puzzle pieces, not to be undone.
Another boy or girl was only a dry-run
Until we met, then joined, and after that were none.

I cannot tell a tale where everything was good,
for weariness might make our words misunderstood.
But from the very start, we dared not speak falsehood:
If we did not rebuild our friendship then, who would?

I made a vow of care upon the day we wed,
“In sickness or in health”, and meant each word I said
No matter what I crave, “til death” is ours instead.
The ambulance has come, but Juliet lies dead.

For forty years and four, I saw my life as bright,
with her not by my side, a curtain hides the light.
 

                                   27 May 2024