Solemn Vow

This stranger before me has shared

My bed for more than two decades

He has provided daughter's care

And gone without much accolade

When we met, we drank and partied

Went to bars, clubs, shows and pool halls

Did our share (more) of drugs sordid

Enjoyed many, many last calls

Now, though, I proudly boast of him

And his greatest victory yet

Cancer two times, life failed to claim

And, his biggest triumph as yet?

Sobriety, be a worthwhile goal

Booze so central, our history

Yet, my daughter's childhood it stole

It's foregone pleasures a mystery

He is true war hero, fighter

Liquor doesn't stand a chance, no

This warrior, husband, stranger

Kicks what has cemented us so

I bid goodbye to familiar

And pull the comforter down some

Make room for this familiar stranger

As he lays his new found clear dreams

Hope one day soon struggles reduce

So that he sees his battle won

And, maybe even can deduce

That I've been there fighting along

I've been punching and praying too

Not knowing if fighting or God

Would be most helpful to pray, do

Still, I cried, I sobbed and I bawled

I pledged to this stranger my love

Forever, come whatever may

To that vow, with help from above

I'll stay true- love this new stranger

Sober you