When life is hard and days are full of grief,
with hours that tire you if they can,
when you are searching for some real relief,
just get yourself a handsome man.
For men are brave against the foes of life.
We just can’t know the strife they bear.
They thus remove the worry of a wife,
so she can then the meals prepare.
But just a word of caution to the bride
whose friend will soon extend his hand,
when he is odd and you almost collide,
you need not try to understand.
For never could you search his mind enough
to know his logic, strange and cruel.
Just let him go, and when he gets so tough,
why that’s the time to play it cool.
And here’s word of wisdom wisely said,
and through the ages it will stand.
Just feed him well, and let the tasty bread
win him again to take your hand.
But after all, to this we testify,
t’is this we’ll have to say:
that man of yours is truly one great guy.
And thus to you he’s tops in every way.
Now Evelyn, when your wedding day is past,
when you with Harold are as one,
we wish you blessings heaped around your door.
Your life be filled with shining suns.
(written for the wedding of Harold Osland and Evelyn Fitzgerald, Chester, IA, 1953)