Faithfulness

Sometimes, at the pulpit, I imagine I am

officiating Your wedding.

In our counseling sessions 

I wasn't convinced you two 

would make a good match. 

To be honest, I thought you could 

do better. But I could see you

were in love so I relented. 

Now you stand beside me,

rocking on your feet

and I think

"I'd be nervous too, buddy."

What is it that you see in her?

She doesn't deserve the white dress

she has on, but no one is saying anything.

She waves at ex-boyfriends on her way

up the aisle. 

I roll my eyes --- you are smiling.

"Who presents this bride?" I ask.

but You've already taken her by the hand 

then turn expectantly toward me.

You've written your own vows, 

and I frown as she struggles

to keep her eyes open

as you read them. 

Now her turn comes, and to be safe,

she repeats after me the words she needs.

And I wonder to myself as I hear

the weighty words I am pronouncing,

if it is enough that You have heard her 

say them.