i. Temple Parking Lot

My father says:
"So, my son is getting married!"

                    For the second time, dad.

"Yes, but weddings heal. Our Talmud says
a wedding frees bride and groom
      from all past transgressions.
A wedding fixes all that's broken."

                     You mean one marriage can fix another?

He grabs my arm: "A happy marriage
gives eternal dispensation."

His eyes gather light.
"The Talmud says intercourse is one-sixtieth
the pleasure of paradise."

I'm wearing five-eyelet Florsheims
    with new arch supports.

"This is good." He waves to friends.
"Just don't fumble the goblet."

                      The goblet?

"The goblet you break after the vows.
This time use your heel. Smash it on the first try.
People'll be watching. Miss it and they'll laugh-
    like last time.
Don't fumble the goblet."

ii. Temple Steps

Leads with his chin.
Visible and invisible.
Chin trembling, his face shining.

"I was an orphan."

                         Yes, I know, dad.

"Did you know an orphan's dead parents
are able to attend the wedding?"

                         But dad, I'm not an orphan.

"Well, I just want you to know if you were,
        we'd come anyway.
You know, your grandparents will be there too."

                         How will they manage that?

"What are you asking? They'll manage.
These are your grandparents:
Grandpa Hyman. Grandmother Bessie.
It's a tradition. Our Talmud says
if they have their bodies, they'll come with their bodies."

                        But they're dead.

"So, they'll come without."

iii. Temple Washroom

"When a man unites with his wife,
God is between them.
I'm telling you: lovemaking is ceremony.
The Talmud says.
You, you're not holy, but your wife is.
With her
    you go to a world outside the world."

                         So?

"So wash your hands before
    not after.
Wash for the pure and holy bride."

                         But what about hygiene?

"How did I bring you up?
Shame on you.
The socks come off and you make love.
The Talmud says. And you make her happy.
Schtepp. Schtepp. Do you understand?
Forget hygiene!
This is the pure and holy bride."

               -Robert Sward