Nuptuals

Tonight I was asked for the very first time to participate in a wedding.  Well, not entire true, but close enough.  Last week I was asked if I'd be willing to make a speech at the reception and I freaked and said "no."  I hate speaking in front of people in the worst kind of way.  Instead, Ken is going to make that speech.  Tonight I was asked instead to read a poem.  I agreed.  I'm still nervous as hell, but the attendance of the wedding is going to be significantly smaller (wedding is Friday, reception is Saturday) and what I have to say is already prepared.  The first half of the poem is going to be read by one of the bride's sister-in-law.  I read the second part, which is as follows:

Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life.

Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher,

commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly,

and passes away more quickly.

Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life

is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life,

new experiences, new ways of expressing

a love that is deeper than life.

When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage,

they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer

than any spoken or written words.

Marriage is a promise made in the hearts of two people

who love each other, and takes a lifetime to fulfill.

I hope I don't stutter too much or stumble over my words, as I tend to do when I get nervous.