A husband's prayer

by Edgar A. Guest

Forever is a long time, the life of moon and stars,

A longer life than churches know, or prison gates and bars,

And I have vowed to love her, forever and a day,

A vow that knows no changing or crumbling away.

Forever is a long time, the life of sea and tide,

No calendar can mark it, no seasons can divide;

It has no bitter ending -- let life bring what it may,

My love must last forever, forever and a day.

Though buildings fall in ruins and earthly splendors fade;

Though death shall separate us, still stands the vow I made.

Though fashions change and fancies sweep all charms we know away,

Our love must last forever, forever and a day.