'Tis anniversary time for you
With all the joys it carries, too.
As you go back on memories lane
And live those happy years again,
You'll picture some important days
From out of life's abysmal maze.
First, sound hilarious wedding bells,
What untold tasks their chime foretells!
The home you made, the children small,
The labors that it took for all.
Bottles to fill, and floors to scrub,
Clothes to wash, small hurts to rub,
A tooth to pull, a toy to fix,
A reprimand for childish tricks.
Then school and church helped children grow,
By teaching lessons they must know.
Then days when things were not so fair,
But filled with sickness, woe and care.
And so the weeks and years rushed on,
By then your blush of youth was gone.
Yes; all too soon the kids are grown
And making new homes of their own.
Next grandchildren, so sweet and dear,
You show with pride to all folks near.
Those fifty years have quickly sped,
Still side by side life's way you tread.
Your golden anniversary's here!
Let's celebrate with shout and cheer,
And let the bells, with cadence sweet,
Congratulations now repeat.
And may God's smiling presence be
Ever near and guiding thee.