With This Ring… ©2012 Bo Mackison

We gather together.

I.

Only days past the summer solstice, the sun
slides towards the horizon, but refuses to lessen its intensity.
Sun-glow settles on this gathering of family and friends.

Barest of breezes waft a flutter through overhead branches.
Leaf-shadows dance on the gazebo’s roof, on the white slatted chairs in rows
and rose petals are strewn on the stone path.

II.

We gather to celebrate the marriage of this couple.

The young man – our son, brother, nephew, grandson, cousin.
A loyal friend, one who offers a kind word and a helping hand to all in need.

The young woman – our daughter, grand-daughter, sister, niece, cousin.
A confidante, a true friend, loving teacher of the youngest children.

Hazy heat-waves rise from the dry grasses.
Bumblebees seek nectar in the nearby spiraea
and ignore the processional of satin red dresses and black tuxedos.

The groom waits in the shade of the gazebo.
The bride comes forward on her father’s arm.

III.

Time lengthens. It sharpens our memories,
intensifies our awareness, focuses our senses.
Vows are read, repeated.

We listen. They promise to love, respect, and be there for each other —
as best friends and wanderers – together – on this life journey.

We stand together, in affirmation, as Jeff and Sara pledge their love to each other,
each of us a witness to their promises, to their joy, to their love.

We watch as they each, in turn, slide a ring on their partner’s finger,
a symbol of their eternal love.
They whisper the words, “With this ring, I Thee wed.”

We celebrate with laughter, cheers, and good wishes:
the couple is introduced.

Mr. and Mrs.

Husband and Wife.

Best of friends.

IV.

Congratulations, Sara and Jeff.

—————–

Bo Mackison is a photographer and the owner of Seeded Earth Studio LLC. Bo left her camera at home yesterday, as Sherpa and she attended the wedding of their son. Later, Bo wrote this wedding day poem.

This is my photo-heart connection photo for June. I took this photo a couple of days ago as my son was showing me the wedding ring he was giving his June 30th bride. How could I choose anything else….