Written in Nerja after attending the banquet of a young couple whose marriage I had blessed earlier in the day.
The toast
The toast
Long life and
happiness
was what they
wished for you
at each stage of
your journey.
Setting out alone
or together,
In parting and
re-union.
the lasting gift
of good will -
love in the sign
of a raised cup.
And always,
the barely
audible question
uneasily voiced –
how long?
How long does joy
or sorrow last?
How long is
waiting - together or apart?
Living provides
all the answers.
As time passes,
each new toast proposed,
the same question
is tinged,
less with fear
and more with gratitude;
for all that has
been, still is and ever will be.
How long –
we’ve had? And have been blessed!
The light of life
well lived shines on,
despite the end
to come.
It’s not that
darkness overwhelms
as our poor light
seems to pale
and fade to
nothingness.
It’s unseen,
uncreated light
that hides us, in
love’s incandesence
abiding at last
where truly we belong.
JKK 16.05.15
