experienced unintentionally at private ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, with eighty percent of the potential audience and more than ninety percent of the current audience reporting that they've been exposed to poetry at one of these private occasions."

-Poetry in America Study commissioned by the Poetry Foundation

The choice of what to read at a ritual requiring poetry can be daunting. In recognition of that fact, this collection aspires to be helpful in identifying some poems best read before or after - but not actually at - the ceremony in question.

As the poet points out, "Knowing what not to say is always a good first step."

With forewords written by Regency Romance author, Nola Saint James and Rabbi Dr. Jo David.

"Everyone deserves a happy ending, whether it's at a wedding or a funeral. The problem is - life.

By night, I write Regency-era romances. By day, I officiate at weddings and funerals as a rabbi. The two parts of my life, like this book, are oddly compatible. The feelings evoked by both life cycle events - weddings and funerals -are oddly similar. Except that there are often more laughs at funerals and more tears at weddings.

My dear friend, James W. Gaynor, has brilliantly captured this paradox in his lovely collection of poems that reflect on the human condition at the best and worst times of our lives. (And don't fall into the trap of thinking that weddings are the best!)"

-Nola Saint James and Rabbi Dr. Jo David