before quiet fathers
and weeping mothers
gentle sisters
stalwart brothers
 
before tying up
all loose ends
before small children
before friends
 
before sweet days
that lie ahead
the years of laughter
tears, and strength
 
before jubilant sun
that brightly sings
before melting snow
and newborn spring
 
before soft grass
and fragrant earth
before times of joy
sorrow, mirth
 
before the road
we stand as two
becoming one
(i do, i do)