Be with me 

Be with me at our birthing.
We may not be with child
yet there are wondrous things
of which we have the parenting

Be with me 
Be with me in joining and handfasting
public and private togethering
civil coupling, tender union
Own me as your heart’s place
without possessing 

Be with me 
in cool of sun
in the moon’s heat
in fire’s sparkle and 
in waters’ rush 

Be with me of earth 
smudged, grassy
dirt under nails and sweet salt
Be air of spirit, body
in spaces between cells
breathe in me—
dry hot tears
and fill cool clefts with laughter 

Be with me
in overture and benediction
in closing and opening
in dying as in birth

—and I with you.

First read at GalaXies Advent Service, St Andrew’s on The Terrace, December 2004 and at the Wedding Service of Bronwyn White and Warwick Metcalfe on 20th February 2005