The Couple at the Altar
They stand before the altar
Penitent and sure of their love
Pastor eases them through vows
Rings, unbroken circle of commitment
Pews on the bride’s side are empty
because relatives disapprove
damaging Cathy’s feelings
on her wedding day
Friends move across the aisle
to ease her distress
Her fragile ego soothed
by their kindness
Final moment: Pastor
pronounces them married
They kiss; the congregation
goes wild, whooping, cheering
Cathy and Mariana Smith-Lopez
had to visit Iowa to receive a
legitimate marriage certificate,
but this is the real wedding
Mari’s mom, Aida, smothers Cathy,
“my new daughter-in-law,” con besos.
The four Lopez brothers lift their
new sister aloft, like the World Cup.
They parade her around the hall.
DJ spins Indigo Girls and Regina Spector.
Their first dance, “You Do Something to Me,”
a duet by k.d. lang and Tony Bennett
“Tough luck for Mom and Dad,” whispers
Cathy, “they looooove Tony Bennett!”
Mariana holds her new wife closer
as they snicker and dance on air
© 2013 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Our church is UCC (United Church of Christ), the first mainstream Christian denomination to recognize “same-sex marriage,” although I prefer “marriage equality,” more descriptive of the struggle for civil rights LGBTs and their Allies wage. I’ve been an Ally since age 5! While equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people is not yet recognized in Wisconsin, our church performs blessings for LGBT couples. Ray and Oscar, paz siempre a su casa.
Three Word Wednesday gave us Damaging, Ego, and Legitimate. This is also “in the margins” at my two poetic homes, Imaginary Garden With Real Toads and Poets United. Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
Roger Green
The Presbyterians aren’t there yet, although there are Presbyteries that are supportive. Someday…
Sherry Blue Sky
Wonderful, Amy! Wish I’d been there – love the crossing of the aisle, the snickers, the “tough luck for mom and dad”. Love kd. lang – attended her concert last summer. Wow.
kaykuala
Great story! Even though against the groove, acceptance by the family is intact. That’s a good start! Thanks for sharing Amelita!
Hank
Helen A. Howell
Oh I’m glad it had a happy ending! ^_^
oldegg
It is possible that the inherent drive for same sex marriage is evolution being sensible ensuring the the population explosion on earth does not get out of control leading to human destruction through starvation, war or other disasters. I think Ira Levin in his “This perfect Day” had Uni (the computer) deciding whether you were suitable for marriage…and thus procreating. Mind you Chip destroys that doesn’t he?
Sheilagh Lee
This is beautiful
meredith
Thank you.
laughwithme45
Wonderful friends to move across the aisle to ease her pain! Hopefully someday her parents will open their eyes!
meredith
Reblogged this on Living is Not Mental Illness and commented:
This poem from Amy celebrates both the courage and worth of living OUT. Happy Pride Month, everyone!
Jim
This is touching, Amy. It could be any of our kids. And so for sure I would be sitting on my daughter’s side of the church.
I believe in equal rights and all of that. Otherwise they are in a terrible predicament. But it is fine with me to call it a contract having all the rights of marriage. That could just as well be our laws.
However I believe that God invented marriage by name and that He intended “marriage” to be one man and one woman. His Word tells us that other types of “marriage” are wrong. Had Jesus not conquered the grave He would be turning in His grave over what His people have done.
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