BEWILDERED WITH FATE

Sorrow, confusion in matrimony

BEWILDERED WITH FATE

 

Majestic white doves

hasten to the old stone church

they sense a joyous spiritual journey

and discern pleasantries to prosper

patient and peaceful, they abide

 

Ivory lace dips to the floor

she pauses, a broken smile appears

charcoal hair shrouds her shoulders

rings of soft curls

 

She positions tense

ponders about the passage ahead

she stands stiff with spike heel shoes

anticipates her bridesmaid’s

to arrive in their fuchsia silk midi dresses

with portage of light pink roses

 

Alas, the groom presents himself

attired in a fitted black tuxedo

adorned with vest and white pleated shirt

a posy in his jacket pocket

 

The groom reveals a blank aspect

as though perhaps bewildered with his fate

naught a smile on his encounter

green eyes disclose an obscure

mystery of ghostly dreams hitherto

which cloud his energy

he pardons his poise

and wanders on his way

down the steps of the church

mind adrift on a sleepy afternoon

 

The doves gather round to question his motive

his sorrowful presence              

they hover close by to protect him

alas, they accompany him

to his destinies

their spirit now altered to lament.

 

 

 

Author's Note

Doves can be spiritual birds; they sense joy and grief

Reviews

[Vertigo Cat1111]

I apologize for not reviewing for a bit, this is a gorgeous poem, it feels pure and light- for a split second and then it throws you into the dark reality. The way you wrote the groom makes him feel almost despicable, with awful intentions. And yet, the doves follow, which could be a good sign. I love how they’re not just a mention, and they fly throughout the story. Thank you so much for sharing. (:

[Betty Hermelee]

No worries... and thank you so much for your review!
Best, B.

[Divine Miss M]

This is a beautifully written piece, Betty! Your use of imagery is wonderfully strong and the choice of language makes your writing a joy to read!
This poem reminded me of one of my favourite songs; 'Getting Married Today' by Madeline Kahn.
Keep going!
Hannah

[Betty Hermelee]

A belated thank you for a thoughtful review
Best, Betty

[Chris Shaw]

Betty, I do like a good wedding, but this one alas has me worried. It doesn't bode well. Let's hope those doves can work a miracle. The groom has cold feet for sure.. What a start! Good read.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks so much Chris, you always have such a goo comment!
truly, B

[Einstein Noodle]

oh noooooo "their spirit now altered to lament" ... no no no! not a happy ending ... Cinderella marries the Prince dahlink! ;) lot of "stuff" i like in your poem ... yes! doves are symbolic ... hope is what springs to my mind ... but certainly all the things mentioned as well .. last i read, the divorce rate in America, across the board is 50% ... something terribly wrong is screaming at us says i! ..maybe too much Hollywood .. a destructive focus on sex and perversions in every way shape and form ... little education on the marriage contract ... the spiritual swept away as the "bride" sashays down the aisle ... grooms are scared .. and should be ... this one seems to doom the commitment from the start ... so sorry i am!
E.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Einstein... sorry this one ended sorrowfully.. but often grooms often freak out as the BIG day arrives...Nice review!!!
Best, B

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ... we tend to be commitment phobes for sure

[Robert Haigh]

Sounds like the groom was having the jitters. Getting married is a big step for both bride and groom. I think the groom may be more jittery than the bride, on many occasions. The bride is often starry-eyed, and revelling in her big day. On the day of my wedding I went for a walk, alone, and no-one knew where I was! I was back in time, before my bride arrived. lol! Your poem took me back to that day!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks Robert for your thoughtful and personal review!

[John the Baptist]

Judging by the groom's performance, I'd say the young lady dodged a bullet.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you John, perhaps she did, but I don't think she was that excited either.... This happens often enough! Best, B

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I just was at a wedding this past Saturday...I think the groom might have had this look....
but it was a very spiritual wedding.
outside at a winery...
oh, fill those chalices.
j.

[Betty Hermelee]

Do all grooms have this look of blankness or fear?
Thanks J. for your review, yes fill them up!
Weddings can be challenging!
Best, B.