Non-Religious. Simple With Poem By Kahlil Gibran
MARRIAGE CEREMONY # 7
(Simple with Poem by Kahlil Gilbran)
Dear friends, we are gathered here at this hour to witness and to celebrate the drawing
together of two separate lives.
We have come to that this man, _________ and this woman, ________ may be joined in
marriage. It is not to be entered into lightly, but with certainty, mutual respect and a sense of
reverence, which does not preclude beauty, humor or happiness.
Love can be one of the highest experiences that comes to humankind. At its best, it reduces
our selfishness, deepens our personalities and makes life far more meaningful. The day-to-
day companionship, the pleasure in doing things together, or in doing separate things but in
delighting to exchange experiences, is a continuous and central part of what a man and a
woman who love each other can share.
Matrimony symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman; yet this
closeness should not diminish but strengthen the individuality of each partner. It is said that
a marriage that lasts is one that always has a little more to grow.
From the Lebanese Poet Kahlil Gibran:
“Sing and dance together and be joyous,
but let each one of you be alone
Even the strings of a lute are alone
Though they quiver with the same music
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s
keeping. For only the hand of life can
contain your hearts.
And stand together yet, not too near
together, for the pillars of the temple
stand apart, and the oak tree and the
cypress grown not in each other’s shadow.”
