Dear love! what things we've seen! what trials we have endured!
What sorrows we have faced since hand we joined to hand
and swore before our Maker that in Him secured
we never would us part, and would all trials withstand!
And such trials we have seen! Such storms have rocked our boat
as would have broken any ship of wood or steel
and any love of flesh; but we have stayed afloat,
our love and Maker strengthening our hull and keel.
O love! Though we've met sorrow through our many years
and will meet yet more sorrow, this I know and feel:
our Maker forged our love far stronger than our fears,
and gave us joy far deeper than our saddest tears!
