When first, my love, your hand I held
And on your finger slipped this ring-
An ageless diamond set in gold-
That, fifty years and more, you’ve worn;

Upon this burning gem I swore-
Bear witness ancient, precious stone-
These downcast eyes, these trusting hands
A moments hurt will never know.

Full fifty years, my word I’ve kept
But now the time to part has come
Your trembling hands will soon be still,
But your memories in this ring will live!

Soon, my dear, I too will sleep,
Until that time, this ring I’ll keep-
For every ray of light within
This stone, to me, of you it speaks!