She and I

I've been pulled in by the negativity of... strangers; the words... "engagement"... "marriage" have become more bitter than sweet. But the meaning remains.  These are not rings, but ring-symbols.  It is not engagement, but a symbol of commitment. Not marriage, but a symbol.  For not just she and I, but for everyone.  It needs no validation, no public celebration, no officiator of its sanctity. It is simply our love; our sacred consent; our commitment. My prayer is that I -- we -- and every pair of those like us -- stay strong and do not falter in knowing this truth.