I have fallen in love

With the same woman three times;

In a day spanning 19 years

Of tearful joys and joyful tears.



I loved her first when she was young,

enchanting and vibrant, eternally new.

She was brilliant, fragrant,

and cool as the morning dew.



I fell in love with her the second time;

When first she bore her child and mine

always by my side, the source of my strength,

helping to turn the tide.



But there were candles to burn

the world was my concern;

while our home was her domain,

and the people were mine

while the children were hers to maintain;



So it was in those eighteen years and a day,

till I was detained; forced in prison to stay.



Suddenly she’s our sole support;

source of comfort,

our wellspring of Hope,

on her shoulders felt the burden of Life.



I fell in love again,

with the same woman the third time.

Looming from the battle,

her courage will never fade.



Amidst the hardships she has remained,

undaunted and unafraid.

She is calm and composed,

she is God’s lovely maid.