To M. P. Lichtenstein, on the Occasion of Our Wedding Day

Mark well this day, and more so, mark this Mark
I said “I do” to magic, and to talk,
To weeks spent laughing, when out in Central Park
We both broke out in Python’s silly walk.
It doesn’t go how Hollywood might claim
What lasts six decades won’t fit in two short hours
I didn’t find him, lose him, want to take his name
Then show up at the airport with some flowers.
For, though it seems extremely unromantic
To note this on the day that I’m a wife, I’m
Sad to say – being English and pedantic –
Those Lifetime movies never last a lifetime.
I’ll vow to stay, not for easy times and kisses
Not to miss the mark, but be to Mark, the missus.