On our tenth wedding anniversary
Let us vow to encourage all virtues in each other
For we are each perfect as we are
And we could use a little improvement.
We are each broken
And we are whole.
May we serve each other
For all our days,
Here, there, and everywhere.
Let us vow to open ourselves to the abundance of life,
Freely giving and receiving, I shall care for you,
As the treasure of my very own.
May we be grateful
For all our days,
Here, there, and everywhere.
Let us vow to forgive all hurt,
Caused by ourselves and others,
And to never condone hurtful ways.
Being responsible for my actions,
I shall free myself and you.
Will you free me too?
May we be kind
For all our days,
Here, there, and everywhere.
Let us vow to remember that all that appears will disappear.
In the midst of uncertainty,
I shall sow love,
Here! Now! I call to you:
Let us together live in peace.
May we give no fear
For all our days,
Here, there, and everywhere.
Standing by the Earth Wall,
You smile your wondrous smile.
I am speechless,
And my senses are filled
By the sounds of your beautiful voice,
Beginning-less and endless.
I bow deeply to you, my love.
(Adapted from Sensei Wendy Egyoku Nakao and Thich Nhat Hanh)