All of Love (a wedding reading)

I’m reminded of those cards.

Love is…

Love.

Is.

Two plump cartoon children holding their hearts in their hands, red and shiny.

Two red hearts and a daisy.  That’s what love is.

Or perhaps it is more
like seeing your lover’s chin and thinking “check out that jaw,
in this light he looks a bit like Bruce Willis.” Maybe that’s what love is.

Or perhaps it is in all the beauty in the world. In all of those beautiful things. Sunsets, mountains, clear water, dreams of your love riding a glittering unicorn,  the sound of a pure voice and an acoustic guitar, lights in the dark. Perhaps…

Or perhaps love is found in the forgotten places. In tea drunk, photos pinned to fridges, bellies full of roast chicken, the hum of active kitchen appliances, the caresses you give to the crook of your lover’s knee. In the nothings, the millions of nothings you do for each other. Mustard coloured love, drab and unassuming, modestly clothed in everyday garments.

For you, today, I wish for ALL of love

Shiny red hearts and tea, clean socks and sunbeams, photographs, wild dreams, hours of love for the crooks of your knees, love that gleams. Love that is wrapped in winter wool and only revealed to your one, your chosen one, who peels away each knitted layer to the soft and pale part of you that’s just for them.

Written for the occasion of my best friend’s wedding

If you wish to link to or reproduce this reading please would you credit me, Jess Southwood, as the author. Thanks!

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