The Wedding

The groom stood by his solemn bride before the country preacher
Angelic hosts had gathered close to notice every feature
The tall man stood in suit of blue, the short bride dressed in green
He looked upon with loving eyes the prettiest girl he'd seen

The bridesmaids both stood wide-eyed as awaiting sacred cue
While the flowergirl danced from foot to foot in shoes that were so new
The best man stood too poor to buy a coat for the occasion
But posed there patiently to hear the preacher's recitation

The one lone groomsman took his place trousers hiked up to his calf
Yet no one really seemed to mind or even thought to laugh
The ring boy ran from left to right unsure of where to settle
Then darted to his mother's side to show the shiny metal

Someone met the singer one hour from the wedding's start
But the way that he was singing seemed to touch the coldest heart
No eye was dry in earth or sky as the preacher boldly said
Can anybody tell me why these two should not be wed

A quietened hush fell through that place in defiance of an answer
All stood still to hear God's will except the little dancer
So be it... cried the preacher... So be it... cried the crowd
So be it... cried the ring boy though only half as loud

Every eye beheld the pair as they took each others' hands
Exchanging one another's love with inexpensive bands
The vows were said I do I do... You now may kiss the bride
No earthly words could dare express the joy they felt inside

Overhead the angels watched and turned their blessings there
The preacher bowed his head to pray one final closing prayer
The small crowd left, but turned their heads to a voice which seemed to say
Look not on his with eyes of man... God's work's been done today

[ by: John Bruce Langley (wdovemin@yahoo.com) -- from John Bruce Langley ]