Thirty Six - The Wedding

When I was a child
I was taught many things;
Show respect, blow your nose, wipe your chin.
And when a wedding's in Church
It's a sign of respect
To stand up when the bride walks in.

In this day and age
A church isn't a venue
That couples always pick to use.
There are gardens, and restaurants
And hot air balloons
And beaches where nobody wears shoes.

But I recently went to a wedding
In Church
Where the congregation celebrated
The joining of two people
Who love one another
And that day were 'officially mated'.

We were all sitting there
Checking watches - and at last
The bride entered in all of her glory.
I prepared to stand up
As a sign of respect
But the truth was a much different story.

It appeared that nobody
Had the same thought as me
As we shared that same day so complete.
Not one of those there
Not family, nor friends
Had decided to rise from their seat.

They stood for the hymns
And they stood for the prayers
Through sermons of Love (and of sin).
But I missed most of that
As I pondered just why
No-one stood when the bride walked in.

As we move through the Ages
We celebrate marriage
In many and multitude ways.
As far as the cost
(And these days it is huge)
There's conjecture on who actually pays!

Sometimes no white dress
No vows to obey
(I am glad that one got pushed aside).
But is the case now
That we don't show respect?
Do we no longer stand for the bride?

This tradition can't die!
If you're ever in Church
Sharing in a new life to begin.
Take the time, show respect;
On her one special day
Please stand up when the bride walks in.