Last weekend I officiated at another beautiful Saturday evening wedding at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. There were lots of alumni/ae from Wake Forest University present, including me, the bride and groom, most of their parents, and most of the wedding party. I noted that in my remarks, of course, and also quoted the flamboyant Prince of funk, rock, and pop music, saying to all, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.”
The reception after the marriage liturgy was held at the Houston Zoo, which is actually within walking distance of the church. My wife and I soon discovered that we got to sit at the fun table. Seriously, it was awesome. I’m so happy for this newly married couple and for the family and friends that surround them. Wedding receptions like this one, and many different kinds of parties, are ways of coming together in friendship and in community to get through this thing called life.
So that’s our haiku theme for this week — parties and receptions. Say something about an experience with those in a verse with five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third line. Here’s mine:
Sat down at the zoo,
pondering this thing called life.
It surrounded me.
Tumbleweed Almanac 
Thank you for this blog entry and the photo of our adorable couple. It was a delightful evening, and you did sit with the coolest of the cool, lucky you! Haiku junkie that I am, I could not stop with one entry. Call it residual wedding joy! Best wishes, Donna
The bride’s antique gown –
on its third wedding – weaving
hope with history.
We whip, then nae-nae.
Through the palm trees, elephants
bob their heads in time.
Because both the happy couple and the parents of the bride met at Wake:
The Liberal Arts
educated us: scholars
of romance. Go Deacs!
Bride and groom slice cake,
serve each other dessert as
their main course begins.
The mostest hostess:
refined, cordial. O God!
These heels kill my feet!
I receive my guests,
feel their grace, their love – really,
they are the gifts here.
Eleanor’s brother Joseph commented on my “digital” process:
I see your fingers
writing this haiku – tap tap –
counting syllables.
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From one of my parishioners:
Surrounded by friends
Brings to mind our special day
How blessed we are
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From someone who sings in Palmer’s adult choir:
Friends are fantastic
Blessings from God forever
Lots of them at church
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Menus, venues, fun
one purpose, celebration.
Gathered together.
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For Palmer weddings
our bells ring out the joy
for the world to hear
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