Acclaimed author and poet Diane Ackerman is famous for her thought-provoking reflections on human behaviour. A literary critic once declared that "Diane Ackerman and love were made for each other". This is why several of Diane's poems would make for an excellent ceremony reading. However, A History of Love makes for a particularly special ceremony reading is an exploration of the power that lies within one little word. We're sure you'll agree that it will make an excellent addition to any ceremony.

A History of Love by Diane Ackerman

Love.

What a small word we use for an idea so immense and powerful it has altered the flow of history, calmed monsters, kindled works of art, cheered the forlorn, turned tough guys to mush, consoled the enslaved, driven strong women mad, glorified the humble, fuelled national scandals, bankrupted robber barons, and made mincemeat of kings.

How can love's spaciousness be conveyed in the narrow confines of one syllable?

Love is an ancient delirium, a desire older than civilisation, with taproots stretching deep into dark and mysterious days.

The heart is a living museum.

In each of its galleries, no matter how narrow or dimly lit, preserved forever like wondrous diatoms, are our moments of loving and being liked.

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