Lord-Black Wedding Poems

Here are the poems and readings that were read during the wedding.

Sam's Poem

As much as Sam would like to take credit for writing this poem, that credit must go to Michael Nesmith, as these are the lyrics from the Monkee's song Papa Gene's Blues.

No heartaches felt, no longer lonely,
Nights of waiting finally won me
Happiness that's all rolled up in you.

And now, with you as inspiration,
I look toward a destination,
Sunny, bright, that once before was blue.

So take my hand, I'll start my journey
Free from all the helpless worry
That besets a man when he's alone.

For strength is mine when we're together,
And with you I know I'll never
Have to pass the high road for the low.

I have no more than I did before,
But now I've got all that I need.
For I love you, and I know you love me.

Quote from the I Ching

Frank read the following quote in his introduction.

The lives of good humans run on different paths.
But when two are as one in their hearts,
Iron locks will not keep them apart;
(and) The words they use in their oneness
permeate the air like the fragrance of orchids.

Quote Concerning Community

Kiki read the following quote by the Venerable Thubten Chodron.

We recognize that just as we are a mystery to ourselves,
the other person is also a mystery to us.

We aspire to understand ourselves, each other, and all living beings,
and to regard all the mysteries of life with curiosity and joy.

We aspire to preserve and enrich our affection for each other,
and as it does to share it with all beings.

We will take the feelings we have for each other
of care, consideration, affection for each other,
and our vision of other's potential and inner beauty as an example
and will try to open our hearts to feel this way impartially for all beings.

Rather than spiraling inwards due to our love for each other,
we aspire to radiate this love outwards to all beings.
We will examine our own minds and continually discuss with each other
so that this vision remains alive in our hearts.

The Ring Ceremony

As we presented our rings to each other, we recited the following poem that we wrote together.

Like a ring, marriage is both an ending and a beginning.

As we end our lives apart,
We begin our lives together.

As we end our time of loneliness,
We begin our time of companionship.

We see an end to fear,
And a beginning of triumph.

Though we part each morning to go to work,
We will always return to complete the circle.

Prayer for Peace and Healing

Frank read the following quote during our prayer for peace and healing.

Just as the soft rains fill the streams,
pour into the rivers and join together in the oceans, 
so may the power of every moment of your goodness
flow forth to awaken and heal all beings, 
Those here now, those gone before, those yet to come.

By the power of every moment of your goodness 
May your heart's wishes be soon fulfilled 
as completely shining as the bright full moon, 
as magically as by a wish-fulfilling gem.

By the power of every moment of your goodness 
May all dangers be averted and all disease be gone. 
May no obstacle come across your way. 
May you enjoy fulfillment and long life.

For all in whose heart dwells respect, 
who follow the wisdom and compassion, of the Way, 
May your life prosper in the four blessings 
of old age, beauty, happiness and strength.

The Kiss

Before our kiss, Frank read the following poem from Cyrano de Bergerac.

A kiss, when all is told, what is it?
An oath taken a little closer,
a promise more exact.
A wish which longs to be confirmed,
a rosy dot placed on the letter "I" in the word "loving";
It is a secret which takes the lips for the ear,
a moment of infinity humming like a bee,
a communion tasting of flowers,
a way of breathing in a little of the heart,
and tasting a little of the soul with the edge of the lips!

A kiss, a feast of love!