The End of the Beginning

sadness in the midst of celebration

The End of the Beginning

 

Tying the knot on a summer’s eve, a hot breeze barely cools

green lawn with Hudson River backdrop, hills beyond

bride veiled in white organza takes our breath away

groom, all smiles, eagerly awaits her splendid entrance

family members first, followed by the alluring white-laced young lady

vows eye to eye with awe-inspiring words of promised love

emotions, tears of delight saturate the humid air

 

plaudits, toasts, laughter, and an undertone of melancholy

she sits hunched in her wheelchair, attired in a purple dress

mother of the groom, stately, beautified, yet nearly within reach

of her demise

she bestows her last, splendid parlance

that echoes throughout the ballroom

then watches half eyes as the bridal couple dance and smooch all evening

 

The immensely awaited honeymoon aborts

mother fails quickly and painlessly

now surrounded by the bride, groom, and close family

she gently takes her last breath

a life ends, a life begins

 

Reviews

[DIVYA]

A beautifully narrated tragedy....A beginning and an ending....I recall, my grandfather passed away during my parent's wedding celebration...it was left forever a bitter-sweet day. We don't know why some things happen the way they do, these are cosmic mysteries. Thank you for sharing this poem, dear Betty.

[Betty Hermelee]

Dear Divya
Thank you for your understanding review..it was quite a week of mixed emotions...You definitely relate!
Warmly, B

[Lorry]

Sad yet tragically rings true for so many. Okay, the term "one in, one out" usually refers to a birth and death and not a death and marriage, but I have been to a few weddings were an older relative has been battling cancer but determined to see the event before they go.
What do you say in those circumstances though? I dread to think of me putting my foot in it by saying something like "Well they are at peace now and free from pain, but it doesn't really feel appropriate to be making judgements on something that will affect most at that wedding.
As ever, a poignant and beautifully written piece that makes me think long after I've read it.

[Betty Hermelee]

thank you my dear Lorry for an always fine review🌷🌷🌷🌷
Warmly, B