Two Hundred Years Together

“Two Hundred Years Together,” written by Matthew Hasson and illustrated by Shannon Collins.

This project was a collaboration with a friend who wanted to propose to his girlfriend by presenting a poem he had written in children’s book form. I ended up taking longer than expected to finish the illustrations while juggling parenthood and a heavy workload, so the book ended up being a wedding gift for his fiancée.

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  • I wish we were giant tortoises, So the days would go by slow. For two hundred years we’d be together, I know it to be so.
  • And if we were two birds, Like a cardinal, hawk, or jay, If you ever got lonely, I’d fly to you right away.
  • If we were humpback whales, swimming leagues across the sea, To always have you by my side, What an adventure that would be!
  • If we were arctic monkeys, In a frigid, icy, storm, We’d nestle our bodies close, To keep each other warm.
  • If we were honey bees, Buzzing about the morning dew, No queen could ever take your place, No nectar sweeter than you.
  • If we were hyenas, Rolling ‘round the dirt, We’d always make each other laugh, Sometimes so much it hurts.
  • If we were skunks, You wouldn’t need a shower, Cause even if you stunk too much, To me you’d smell like flowers.
  • If we were a couple trees, Standing tall and apart, Below the surface we’d share a root, Which keeps us close at heart.
  • If we were two clouds, Making shapes in swirls of white, From way up in the sky, You’d still be the best view in sight.
  • If we were two rocks, Just laying on the ground, I’d never be bored, As long as you’re around.
  • If we were anything other than us, We’d still be best friends…
  • Two hundred years we’d be together, I know it to be true, Because no matter where we go in life, You got me and I got you.
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