yesterday
i took part in
a latvian wedding
even though
i had no idea
what i was doing;
we formed a circle
with burning torches
and sang and chanted
and screamed
performing rituals
that the fathers
of their fathers
once performed

i was told that
the male guests
had given the groom
the strength of a bear
while the bride
was given wisdom
and encouragement
for the years to come
the bride and groom
were then bound
with symbolic chord
blessings and song
joining them together
by hand and heart

without being able
to speak the language
i had to guess or
discreetly ask
for explanations
from other guests
to understand
the significance
of each part;
watching the bride
and groom however
it was clear immediately
their love needed
no translation