For SB & Andrew’s Wedding

April 2023
Tyler, TX
Rogers’ backyard

I’ll start by acknowledging the people who lived on this land for thousands of years. The Caddo Tribe. 

And while we’re looking into the past, let’s call in our collective ancestors, to welcome them into this space right now:

The ones who traveled across the ocean,
The ones who survived the emergence of cities,
Generations on generations of hunter gatherer groups.
Cosmic forces came together to pull us to this moment. 
Every sunrise and sunset, every planting and harvest
The tilt of the earth
The shape of an oxygen molecule

Every mundane activity of everyone who preceded us
has led us to this precious moment. 

Our presence is next-to-impossible
And yet, here we are. 
With gratitude, humility, responsibility, 
We are here.  

Rooting into the past can bring us into a deeper sense of the present, 
And in that deeper Now, we hold the Bride and Groom in love. 

[to SB and Andrew]

We, ancestors and all, are holding your future in love. 
Now. Here. 

We infuse the magic of this moment into your shared future

Every mundane activity

Days and nights and in-betweens. 
Arriving home
Sitting on the couch
Getting dressed
Waking up
Eating food
Going to bed
Going to the bathroom
Little projects
Big projects
Medium-sized projects

We hold this future in love. 

It will not all feel good, and that’s ok. 
Some moments will feel very good, and that’s ok too. 

Arranging furniture
Making space 
Making life
Making home

We bless it. 

Thanks for receiving our blessing in this moment. 

Sarah Beth and Andrew, 
As we bring this poem to a close, 
Let’s soak up this moment.

Please turn to those who have gathered to support your future.