Witness

These things always come

At the time I need them most

Like my cousin’s wedding

In 1987 when I was down and out

Just when I think love doesn’t exist

Someone comes along to prove me wrong
a hastily thrown-together ceremony

Contemplated for years

Then plunge into in slightly over a week

Meant to last a life time,

And most likely will

With me a not-so-innocent bystander

Called up to commemorate the moment

with camera and flash

and when a witnessed failed to arrive

stepping up into that role, too

To sign my name to a document

Meant to last forever

Feeling like a father giving away

His only daughter

And scared about her fate

When love explodes out of them

With a radiance

I need sunblock to endure

Proving once again

Love does prevail

For those who know how to wait

And what do look for

And me, the ever skeptical witness

Blinded by their passion

And their persistence

A lesson in life

I have to learn again and again and again

But always coming back to this same place

Knowing that it can be real after all.