When we were wed, it was a civil do,
With ten, including us and celebrant.
And that simplicity I do not rue,
Except one item after the event.

In ancient times, a nuptial song was sung
Outside the wedding chamber for the pair.
From that and Spenser inspiration sprung,
And ten years on, I’ll write my own and share:

Now welcome night, and welcome we sweet sleep;
You shoo the dogs away and warm the sheets
While I kick dirty clothes into a heap,
That my approach with grace might be replete.

Our lips meet in that jasmine-scented night,
We sigh in pleasure, then turn off the light.