And so you're married -- keepin' house! Well, well, well, well -- and so it goes. You wasn't bigger than a mouse Just yesterday, it seems. It shows The years are surely slippin' by. And so you're married. Me, oh, my! Well, young folks just a-startin' out Have surely got a splendid chance To know just what they're both about, To plan and figger in advance; And that's the secret, too, I guess, Of most of married happiness. Just startin' out, you say. Well, here Is where they make or break, my friend. How much you goin' to get this year? How much can you afford to spend? Know where you are, and how you stand, And figger out just where you'll land. Oh, love -- yes, love, that's needed, too. I hope you're both in love so deep It makes you dizzy, thrills you through -- And yet I've found, in love to keep, There's nothin' like a little sense Regardin' income and expense. No ship starts out upon a trip Without a course, without a plan, That ain't the way to sail a ship, Or sail a woman and a man. Find out just what you can afford, And stick to that, so help us, Lord! And, if you do, I tell you what I think will happen: Every year You'll find a little more you've got Of money, comfort, love and cheer -- You'll be as free of care and doubt As two young folks just startin' out. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: EMILY SPARKS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE MEASURE OF THE YEAR by JAMES GALVIN IN A SWEDISH GRAVEYARD by EMMA LAZARUS DOMESDAY BOOK: REV. PERCY FERGUSON by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |