For Better, For Worse

A room full of friends and strangers

All seated in neat and tidy rows

In their sharpest outfits

Brought together by a common force

To celebrate the lives

Of two beloveds' Love

The preacher speaks of love

Of friendship

Of family

Of the growth of that family by way of this event

Of the infinite expansiveness of life

And the infinite strength

Of love

And I am transported back in time to

Just one day shy of one year prior to

Another room full of friends and strangers

All seated in neat and tidy rows

In their sharpest outfits

Brought together by a common force

To celebrate the life

Of one beloved gone too soon

A cousin speaks from the stage

Of friendship

Of family

Of the growth of that family by way of this event

Of the finite preciousness of life

And the infinite strength

Of love

Both forever life changing and transforming

As tears of joy and grief join together as one