here it is: the longest and shortest period of my life.

i stand in the wings, ballgown braced against the

torrent of energy awaiting me within, and catch my breath

as the groom walks down the aisle, just out of my sight.

i can’t see him.

all i can see is the way forward.

they cue up my song and my feet move forward

trained by wicked dance teachers to go with the rhythm

but i can’t hear them in my ears, not now

not when my song is playing and

there are safe arms waiting to wrap me up

at the end of the aisle.