Swiety Katarzyna

In Spanish it is Santa Catalina and is the island off the coast of California, nineteen miles from Los Angeles. The place is mostly controlled by the Wrigley family (chewing gum and the Chicago Cubs), is a nature conservancy, and is a quaint seaside village ideal for hikers, cyclists, and tourists looking for a relaxing get away from the noise and smog of the city. It was here that Alina Casimira and Michael Robert professed their marriage vows at St.Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, April 27^th, 2012. As father of the bride, I was bursting with happiness.

This destination wedding had it all: it was the perfect mix of people, a beautiful setting, great eats, and readily available resort activities. The “perfect mix” was a gathering of Alina’s St.Louis parents, family, and friends with Mike’s parents, family, and friends from New Jersey, New England, and Florida. Grandma (Poniewaz) and Grandpa Ron made the trip. Andy and Elka from Los Angeles came over on the ferry to be with us. Mike’s Uncle Billy and Aunt Bernie (also known as “Billy and Bernie”) were there. Erin, Brig, Gabby, Doctor Dan, Pete the Surfer Dude, Dave, Dave, Dave (“Mr.Poniewaz, my name is Stewart”), and ChiChi were there. As for New Jersey, good God I’m sliding quickly into Bruce Springsteen, Greetings from Asbury Park.

In all the excitement and activities of the wedding, I didn’t think to give the kids a Polish blessing. Never had to give one so didn’t know any existed. A search on the internet will return a number of sources for blessings and traditions that have a Polish twist. June is the beginning the wedding season and for all of the Polish fathers and mothers getting ready for your child’s wedding, there might be a place to slip in a blessing or a poem during the ceremony or at the reception.

To get your juices flowing, here is a Polish blessing (http://www.weddingministerct.com/wedding-blessings.htm) and a poem, “Love at First Sight” by Wislawa Symborska that you might consider for Janina or Tad’s wedding.

                                        A Polish Blessing

May your heart be as patient as the earth, your love as warm as harvest gold.  May your days be full, as the city is full, your nights as joyful as dancers.  May your arms be as welcoming as home.  May your faith be as enduring as God's love, your spirit as valiant as your heritage.  May your hand be as sure, as a friend, your dreams as hopeful as a child.  May your soul be as brave as your people, and may you be blessed.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

They’re both convinced
that a sudden passion joined them.
Such certainty is more beautiful,
but uncertainty is more beautiful still.

Since they’d never met before, they’re sure
that there’d been nothing between them.
But what’s the word from the streets, staircases, hallways–
perhaps they’ve passed by each other a million times?

I want to ask them
if they don’t remember–
a moment face to face
in some revolving door?
perhaps a “sorry” muttered in a crowd?
a curt “wrong number”caught in the receiver?–
but I know the answer.
No, they don’t remember.

They’d be amazed to hear
that Chance has been toying with them
now for years.

Not quite ready yet
to become their Destiny,
it pushed them close, drove them apart,
it barred their path,
stifling a laugh,
and then leaped aside.

There were signs and signals,
even if they couldn’t read them yet.
Perhaps three years ago
or just last Tuesday
a certain leaf fluttered
from one shoulder to another?
Something was dropped and then picked up.
Who knows, maybe the ball that vanished
into childhood’s thicket?

There were doorknobs and doorbells
where one touch had covered another
beforehand.
Suitcases checked and standing side by side.
One night. Perhaps, the same dream,
grown hazy by morning.

Every beginning
is only a sequel, after all,
and the book of events
is always open halfway through.

Of course I have the inside scoop on Mikey and Lin, but that poem seems to be so right and rings so true about their meeting, their time together, and I am going to guess, as only they really know, what was in their hearts. And as the verse so sweetly implies, whether they knew it or not.

Question for June, got a Polish blessing or love poem you would like to share? 

Festivals too.

1)  Summer is also festival season so start planning and thinking of new ideas now.

2)  Planning and thinking includes ways to educate, preserve, and bring the people together. Na Zdrowie!!

If you have a thought about this month’s topic, an answer to the question, a question of your own, or interesting facts to share, contact me at: Edward Poniewaz, 6432 Marmaduke Avenue, St. Louis , MO 63139 ; eMail alinabrig@yahoo.com.

N.B. If you send eMail, reference the Polish American Journal or the Pondering Pole in the subject line. I will not open an eMail if I do not recognize the subject or the sender.