One Fine Day

By Joseph Cunningham

Written for my sister, Katie, (left in a card) on the occasion of her marriage, shortly after mine ended: August 3rd, 2013. 

  

When I look out, upon this day

And think of you, my darling sister

And your man; and the joy that’s come your way

I could not be any happier for you.

I would lie to say today I cannot think upon my own misfortune,

From that wedding. And yet, I am holding now a beautiful son.

And I ask myself, “How can I offer words to thee -

My dear sister, my brother?”

These are them:

When flowers bloom, and the sun shines warm;

When the wind blows hard and the rains do storm;

When feelings go and words are knives;

When you don’t see each other with misty eyes;

And you forgot to bring home a surprise.

When you dread the silence in the room;

And the days begin with deaf-‘ning gloom;

When the pain is tense, and the help is not;

When you pray to God and think He’s all you’ve got;

When death looks like a better lot.

When the cold room warms with thoughts of them;

When the moon glows more than it did back then;

When no place is bad with the other in hand;

When children’s fun fills the house with sand;

When the work load breaks the will to stand;

When the bills pile up;

And the kids do not understand.

When you’re kissed with fervor;

When you’re asked to wait.

When you forgot that all-important date;

The instance you think you’ve made a big mistake –

Love each other.

Because at the end of the day,

You were meant to be that way.