Wedding Day

 Dedicated to Louise Cabral Jackson

On this nineteenth day in November

Early tide washes ashore, as seagulls

Fly past the large bay windows

Of the grand old Midland Hotel.

I watch you sleep, a still beauty

In silk lingerie, peaceful in the quiet hours

As the morning light bathes us whole;

There will be a wedding today.

There is a touch of frost in the balcony

But we dare to venture out in nervous laughter

Looking across Morecambe Bay

To the first of the snows on the hills.

The hours pass and the hairdresser

Sculpts your hair, as we sip Champagne

And speak of black and red dresses,

Ring bearers and long stemmed white roses.

I sit at the edge of the bed

As you kneel beside me gently

Applying the lipstick and foundation

Like a lover and a painter, studying my face.

I pause and close my eyes, overwhelmed,

Taking in each delicate intimate brush

In this play of touch and colours

You my love are the beautiful bride.

A couple of knocks on the door

And friends start to gather with gifts

And sparkling wine flows tempering the nerves

As three o’clock is fast approaching.

The winter sun is high in the sky now

A quick spray of perfume and we are ready.

Walking down the spiral stairs, hand in hand,

Under the expectant gaze of family and friends.

I am caught in a daydream

As the wedding singers play Halo

And we follow the cue to walk in

In this white room filled with so much love and light.

Please wear this ring as a token of my love

And affection, now and always.

I promise to love and care for you

For the rest of our lives together.

 Janete Cabral-Jackson Copyright