Long Wait/Farewell

Today, she left him waiting for a final time;

waiting at the church,

alone at the altar one last time.

 

Those of us watching

remember another time he nervously waited,

fidgeting in his rented formal wear;

waiting in the flower decked church.

Waiting, waiting,

for his white satin bride,

who never arrived.

She left a note pinned to the tulle waterfall,

that should have been her bridal veil;

a note that said

she hoped he'd "understand",

she had to "find herself",

but she'd be back one day.

 

We watched the exuberant, loving boy

become a quiet, patient man;

waiting, waiting,

for the girl he loved to grow up.

 

For twenty five years he waited.

A kind, loving, good man,

much loved by his friends;

waiting, always waiting,

for his bride to come home.

 

Now he waits at the church

for the final time,

surrounded by friends and flowers

one more time.

No longer fidgeting nervously;

cold and silent,

he lies in his coffin,

waiting, waiting;

 

for the bride who never came.

Author's Note

I always hoped he found her on the other side. . . . .

Reviews

[Bud]

Sometimes a love is so strong nothing will break it's bond. It becomes engrained within the soul, etched into the very spirit. A love like this is just such a love. Outstanding work of art. Truly heartfelt, and one that touches the reader's heart.

[An owl on the moon]

What a tragic story, though filled with the deepest loving devotion. To love and long for someone and to wait.. to wait a lifetime for her to return. The words were so powerful.. just made me ache.