Poetry / Wedding Disaster

A beautiful pure white gown,
Glistening in the heavenly light flowing from the windows;
Delicate flowers hanging from the pews and petals in the aisle
The couple standing at the alter, holding hands as they recite their vows
Watched by a sea of well-dressed guests holding tissues and dabbing at their eyes,
Which follow the ceremony with barely contained emotion-
It is a moment filled with tearful smiles and high expectations-
A long awaited scene from a little girl’s dream
That could shatter in an instant with one simple line-
“If anyone can show just cause why these two should not be married,
speak now or forever hold your peace”

The church is suddenly silent
Glances are traded
Quiet assessments are made
Anxiety builds
The waiting seems to last an eternity
And then, just when they think it’s over-
There is a bang
The doors fly open, revealing a man
An objection on his lips
Determination in his eyes
He strides up the aisle until he stands before the bride,
Confessing, declaring his love
The crowd gasps as one, horrified

The waiting begins again
All eyes are on the bride-
Everything is in her hands
Silence reigns in the church

Her face pales dramatically
Fingers tremble
Body shakes beneath her gown
Her eyes scan the crowd quickly
She is weighing her options
No one moves
The crowd holds its breath

Her hands are fisted
She looks around
Stares the mystery man in the face
Closes her eyes
Opens them
Hesitates
Quivers some more
Bites her lip
Fidgets
Thinks
Breathes
Collects herself
Straightens
Nods
Turns slightly
And finally speaks a whispered apology
Before, taking the man’s hand,
She follows him out of the church,
Accepting the offered escape

The crowd is in shock
The groom faints
Pandemonium is unleashed
Fathers exchange words loudly
Mothers sob with utter disappointment
Disapproval and outrage spread
Heads shake
Women whisper
All as the bride and her true love hop on a motorcycle,
And disappear into the sunset

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