A difficult one!
A Witnessing
This should be said
without a word,
the briefest touch, a smile instead
as, in families and between friend and friend,
the truly important things are said and heard,
but we are at a witnessing, when
truthsaying plays a part
and we declare aloud what?s said already in our hearts.
So, first, by being here, we say that we approve,
proclaim ourselves complicit.
We wish it,
this good and proper naming of your love.
Then, we hail
your partnership?s unfurling sails
with joy ?
that sweet and salt-free word that sits
so coyly
with us ocean-going, no-emotion-showing Brits.
And then, we wish your voyage well.
No wreck -
no reef, no rocks to run aground on,
no burning deck
to stand on -
but a rich cargo in the hold.
Gold enough,
and silks and all the finest,
Calvin Kleinest stuff,
and spice, of course, to set ablaze
the dullest doldrum-days.
And then, we say
remember us who wave you on your way.
May you enjoy your wide blue wander,
growing fonder
with each mile
and on every desert isle
where buried pleasures lie
find that spot marked X
(and forgoing easier rhymes
and rhythms, try the more complex)
and return with tales of balmier climes
where springs of Bushmills flow
and everyone?s a poet,
but meanwhile, let us know your vessel
didn?t sink.
Send us messages in bottles -
just the one word, ?Drink?.
Now to our last and lasting task -
we will not fail
to say, if asked:
Yes, we were here. We witnessed this.
The omens were auspicious
and your new ship set sail
on a flood tide of good wishes.