ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

this is a true story told me by a lovely retired country bloke who was doing some work for me -

THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH TOMORROWS
Maureen Clifford © The Scribbly Bark Poet


He took her for a drive one day through country they knew well
and came upon a church with wooden steeple and a bell.
It bought back many memories of younger days back when
their love light flickered fierce and hot and Mary married Ben.

They were both a little greyer and their steps a little slow .
But loves flame burnt still within them though perhaps the light was low.
And unbeknown to her this unassuming man somehow
had called together priest and friends to witness renewed vows.

“Could we go in?” she softly asked, “I’d like to look inside”
“Just step this way my lovely girl” her country man replied.
They crossed the threshold hand in hand – entered the country church,
then music broke the silence and they heard the Wedding March.

Their family were gathered and they filled most every pew.
He asked “will you wed me again?” trusting she’d say I do.
The family congregation rose, the church filled with the roar
of applause, tears and laughter, booted feet stamped on the floor.

What greater gift could one man give to one who’d shared his life?
She'd stood beside him many years, a faithful loving wife.
Mary had raised his children, seen them through hard times and bad
She was all that he wanted and he was all that she had.

What greater gift could this man humbly offer to his bride
than to renew their wedding vows and keep her at his side.
The debt was paid in full when she reached up to share a kiss
and said with dimple in her cheek – ‘Well this I wouldn’t miss.’

Now this story really happened and I know it’s really true.
He related over tea once how their love they did renew.
I know he wrote a love song and he sang it face to face
with his sons and daughters helping out on guitar, drum and base.

So you don’t believe in romance and think the good men all gone?
Those who cherish family, protect the weak – well you’d be wrong.
Please take heart now from this story that I have related here
for there are not enough tomorrows to say “I love you dear”.

A lovely story and a well written poem Maureen.

Regards, Jeff

What a great story, made even greater as it is true.

A lovely poem, Maureen

Allan

Yes Maureen there are not.

I know it is not a work shop poem but might I make a couple a couple of suggestions

Now this story really happened and I know it’s really true.
He related over tea one day how their love was renewed.
I know he wrote a love song and he sang it face to face
with his family accompanying him on guitar, drum and base.

So you don’t believe in romance and think the good men all gone?
Those who cherish family, protect the weak – well you’d be wrong.
Please take heart now from this story that I have related here
for there are not enough tomorrows to say “I love you dear”.

They did renew might fit better in the second last verse Maureen. The really really seems out of place and a better rhyme for true. The " accompanying ? seemed a little impersonal as well.

Now this story really happened and I know that it is true
He related over tea once how their love they did renew.
I know he wrote a love song and sang it face to face
with his family gathered 'round them on guitar, drum and base.

As always yours to use or loose.

Cheers Bob

Thanks Jeff and Allan

Good point Bob - thank you and I have used your suggestion and altered the 'accompanying'. What do you reckon now?

Wow someone listened to me happy now Mausie

A beautiful story Maureen and very well told in your poem. This is so touching, especially since it's true. I'd like to have met this lovely man.

If you are ever up Warwick Qld way Katherine he plays (or did) along with some of his adult kids in a band called The Grumpies -