August 2015 – Brooks Bradbury

To Adrien and John,
On your Wedding Day

it’s only when we live enough
to know our soul’s true place
that we come to know the difference
‘tween each false and friendly face

in time we find a place like home
a place to make a stand
finally safe at home at last
life reveals its master plan

you’ve known some roads plenty rough crooked ones from there to here
you’ve lived enough
through joyful times
and when you fought back every tear

you realize they’re behind you now
life’s back up to speed
it’s your soul, your family
that are all you really need

take strength in family provenance
find strength in all our love
we’ve never been more proud of you
as you go forth, rise above

there are quirks in every family
relatives who understand odd
we all mean well in reality
smile and pleasantly nod

it’s only when we live enough
to know our soul’s true place
that we come to know the difference
‘tween each false and friendly face

in time we find our home at last
the place we’re meant to be
it’s clear you’re here, the past long past
today we celebrate you and your new family