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

---

A/N: This was written as an assignment for my English class. Our teacher gave us each a subject (mine was "wedding"), and we had to write an action poem about it while also adding in some kind of chaotic situation. It was my first time writing an action poem, so I'm not sure how good it came out, but I really don't think it was too bad. Still, I'd like to hear some opinions on it, so feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading!