A Thing of Beauty
By Don Detrick with appreciation to John Keats
Dedicated to my teenage bride of 35 years, Jodi
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will shine
Growing in beauty, grace, and line.
I met my beauty while still a youth;
Life on the farm had taught me truth:
Things of beauty time will claim;
That joy subsides, only dust remains.
By nature’s law, emotions fade;
So human beings and all things made.
Though young and short, Keats might have guessed
Of something greater, something blessed;
A law of love, unscathed by years.
A love grown stronger,
Though stained with tears.
A love grown longer,
In spite of fears.
A love transcending earthly ties;
I found that’s where the answer lies.
For in your face and smile I saw;
A visage only God could draw.
And he our hearts together knit,
Though teens we said we’d never quit.
So through the years in joy and pain,
We hold each other and love remains.
I look at you, my precious treasure;
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
