Excerpt from “Paradise” by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison, a literary powerhouse and expert in slicing straight to the heart of things, is the star of today's wedding reading. In this bold excerpt, Morrison gives us a reality check wrapped in poetry. Forget the fairy tales and rom-com endings because, according to Morrison, love isn't just something that happens to you, but rather, something you earn. Through practice, patience, and a good bit of soul-searching, of course.
This reading reminds us that love isn’t a participation trophy for surviving heartbreak or simply wanting it badly enough. It’s something demanding and something that requires careful thought and a whole lot of dedication. It’s no surprise that this passage has found its way into wedding ceremonies, where it serves as a refreshing (and slightly cheeky) antidote to the "happily ever after" narrative. It challenges couples to see love not as a given but as a lifelong practice, the kind that requires showing up every day, heart and mind open, ready to do the work.
If Toni Morrison's words speak to you, download our free PDF version of this wedding reading to take along to your ceremony.
Excerpt from “Paradise”
by Toni Morrison
Love is divine only and difficult always.
If you think it is easy you are a fool.
If you think it is natural you are blind.
It is a learned application
without reason or motive
except that it is God.
You do not deserve love
regardless of the suffering
you have endured.
You do not deserve love
because somebody did you wrong.
You do not deserve love
just because you want it.
You can only earn — by practice
and careful contemplations —
the right to express it
and you have to learn how to accept it.
Which is to say
you have to earn God.
You have to practice God.
You have to think God-carefully.
And if you are a good and diligent student
you may secure the right to show love.
Love is not a gift.
It is a diploma.
If you’re on the hunt for more iconic readings from books to sprinkle into your ceremony, check out our collection of wedding readings from books. And while you’re at it, don’t miss our ultimate wedding ring shopping guide! Because if you’re going to earn love, you might as well wear a ring that deserves honours too.
