Off and Springing: Wedding Poem

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Off and Springing
Family Rhymes by H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D.
copyright © 1991-2008

Wedding Poem

My lovely daughter Erika, and Allen, her intended
Informed me just a year ago that childhood days had ended.
After due deliberation, they thought it time to wed.
"Take your time," was my reply, "but make it soon, before I'm dead."

But Allen, never one to kindle family estrangement,
Believed it best, before they'd be announcing their engagement,
To meet with me in private. So he made a quick decision
To speak to me discretely, and solicit my permission.

"You know, she's well past thirty," was my fatherly reply,
"And you, you're in your forties. So I have to wonder why
You think you need permission. Just bring two goats and a sheep
To my tent before the sun goes down, and then she's yours to keep."

Abandoning my flippancy, I turned to simple prose:
"The two of you are wise enough, and able, I suppose,
To make your own decisions. So, why this window dressing?
You love each other. That's enough for me to give my blessing."

With hugs and kisses all around, the three of us began
To plan a feast attended by our widely scattered clan.
Reality was quick to dawn: our family's extensive;
A proper wedding festival was going to be expensive.

"Don't worry," I told Allen. "I'm the father of the bride.
I've been waiting all her life to see you standing by her side.
You've neither wed before. And, since you waited 'til you're grown,
This wedding will be on the house. Next time, you're on your own!"

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