My 21st Century Wife

At 21 I married her
My 21st Century wife
I didn't know, what I know now
In my married life.

"There is a difference" said my spouse,
"From a 21st Century wife,
"And all the wives that came before
"To ease their husband's strife."

She told me this at lunch one day
My very knowledgeable wife.
While handing me unbuttered toast
And then a butter knife.

She talked of all those lazy men
My 21st Century wife
"Who never clean their dirty dishes
"And subsist on TV life."

"You see," she said "now women work"
"A fact men have ignored."
And handed me my wrinkled shirt
And then the ironing board.

I am so glad to know much more
Of 21st century ways
I am so glad to be with her,
For more than half my days.

Her knowledge of the 21st Century
From my mind won't flicker.
But I return to my threadbare chair
To work the TV clicker.

- Dave Terry

I Went To Find a Present

I went to find a present for
My cherished wife, but nevermore
Could there be found a present that
Wasn't just a copy cat,
Of something else that she possessed
Or another thing that unimpressed
My careful eye or measured glance.
My purchase can't be happenstance!

I explored the malls and hunted stores
For a gift I think my love adores.
I've peered at glowing diamond rings,
Bracelets and anklets with fastenings.
I peered at jewelry dancing bright,
Becoming dizzy in twinkling light.

Alas, it was too trying for me
For my 16th anniversary
To find a gift that reflects the care
And love I feel for her so rare.

I've tried to show with gifts each year,
My warm admiration and love sincere
To a woman that's become my wife
And shared in love and stress and strife.

'Course happiness in truth depends,
On joining marriage of two good friends.
The valuable gift to give of all
Can't be found in a shopping mall.

I hope that she can understand
As I sit with her so close at hand,
My love will never go adrift,
This verse is what will be my gift.

- Dave Terry