I Do I Won't

I Do... I Won't

Marriage vows mean what they say. And "I do"
Means the "I do" partner'll be there for the long haul, no matter who
Or what life's journey throws their way, day by day.
Breaking up isn't even a considered way out; they're here to stay.

Occasionally, however, one partner may not be so aware or knowing.
Not that they may have less love, but when the going gets rough they get going.
I doubt if they, themselves, know this character weakness
And to them, they may call it "self preservation," not "weakness."

So, as I have said for half a century, it's life's greatest grab bag.
Usually there's no indication until the peculiar mix of that grab bag
Grabs us by the collar and demands to hear you declare
How you will choose to cope with what you never dreamed you would bear.

Do you think we could institute a more comprehensive wedding vow?
It could be written so each partner will know just how
To promise and act according to what they can expect
So in crisis, one will not feel so betrayed by those they select.

This doesn't seem such a lifetime proposition - said this way.
When asked, "Do you take this mate for better or worse, today?"
Or until infidelity or abuse, or a bitter fight
Rearranges all the principles you saw in your 'love' at first sight.

Marriage is a sacred institution, not a page from a menu
To select, to accept the best and reject the rest that you never knew.
We, at our best, are thankful for the chance
To prove our love, loyalty and, hopefully, to enhance

The positives in this life-long contract.
Youth seldom ever sees beyond how today's cards are stacked
And they're not real certain about that fact.
It's day to day with a lot of "ego" acting out on the fast track.

I really doubt if anyone (or most at any rate)
Is emotionally qualified to step into this "salad mix of fate."
If you survive it and still can love each other,
Then you know you made a good choice, never likely be another.

Ironically, there are no guarantees. 'Twould be easier if this were true
But like all else in life, we make the best choices we're qualified to do.
We do our best and help our mate and hope we'll both be there for the long haul.
To be there until the union is dissolved by that inevitable last call.