04 March 2013

Bud To Blossom


 
 
Bud To Blossom
 
 Turning 21 brings many an opportunity for personal growth.
1966 ‘twas that year for me to claim my majority,
In ways personal, in ways public, included a marital oath.
Finishing my junior year at Pacific Lutheran University.
 
You see, there was this cute, brown-eyed nursing student
Whose plot to get my attention had succeeded at Christmas.
Spring 1967, sprung for us in ways stimulating, some prudent.
Her solid Swedish lineage a real benefit I would never dismiss.
 
She, an older junior, me a first-time senior, I’d do another,
In quiet conversation, to her my heart’s perception I revealed.
“You, my dear, are the one woman in my world, no fuss, no bother!”
“I’m honored indeed. We’ve some work to do that’s not congealed.”
 
Dating proceeded with its amazing rhythm, delightful curves.
Campus talk proclaimed loudly, “Their truly an item.”
Hands held, midnight air-kisses, many emotional dips, swerves,
Summer came without a flower, only a lovely bud on the stem.
 
Often, the pledge was made, “I’m ready. Will you be my wife?”
Brown eyes lowered, hands firmly held, “I can date but not yet.”
August arrived, Portland’s version of heat, humidity to cut with a knife.
We made countless trips from Hillsboro to Portland our love to vet.
 
Sitting in my stuffy car, at the end of another day of bliss,
“I’ve an old question that needs to have a final answer.”
I turned my Norwegian blues upon my fair, lovely Swedish miss.
“This time I must warn you, ‘twill be the last, don’t hesitate or demur.”
 
“Will you be my wife?” stated calmly, without rancor or pain.
Her face gazed with a glow that only love and respect could bring.
“I was hoping you’d ask me one more time, waiting makes me insane.”
The car suddenly changed its ambience, two hearts ready to sing.
 
The bud of romance came to full bloom that day.
My pastoral counsel to countless couples found its root.
Spirit will guide your relationship every step of the way.
Matrimony, the Ph.D. of intimacy, God’s love at its foot.
 
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
4 March 2013

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