we are old now - you and i
and have papers that declare it
with much written in life's journal
and abundant memories of our journey

one memory i hold precious - still fresh
though we were young then
is you smiling brightly - in a red bow tie
incredibly shy, skinny, and beautiful

being old includes being young
and all the experiences with friends and kin
you are now a wise woman - a matriarch
i am grown by you into gentler knowing

we are as we had hoped to be
and as we promised - still in love