January Fifth

Brother
On this day I stood by your side as your best man
An honor bestowed upon me like no other before
I gave unto you the ring you slipped onto your brides’ fragile finger
And listened intensely and purposefully as you recited your vows
And I wept a tear of joy.

Sister-in-law
On this day I stood at my brother’s side
Chosen as the representative of my family with great pride
I watched as your eyes stained your cheeks as you spoke your vows
And thought only of how pleased I am in my only brother’s decision
And I wept another tear of joy

To you both
Standing in the midst of this ceremony
Emotion enveloped me like an early morning fog
I actually saw love pass between your eyes
And felt it emanating from one’s hand to the others
I never felt more proud to be a part of something so sacred
And I will remember this date just as you both will
As the beginning of a new life as one
And the rebirth and renewal of a family as we openly accept our newest member
I congratulate you both with love and admiration,
respect and even envy
In the hopes that I shall one day find true love
And live as happily as I saw you both today.