What She Never Told Me

I was dumbfounded
when my grandmother
made a point
every day
for two weeks
to tell me it was all right
if I decided not to.

After several calls,
and strange exchanges
my irritated mom
explained
her mother’s behavior:
“She’s only saying
what she never told me”.

Surrounded by bridesmaids
nosey aunts peeking in
I only hear
my muddled thoughts
with a numb body
blank stares
and fake smiles.

Dad comes in
and I consider
how lucky
I am
that mom
was too chicken
to admit she didn’t want to.

Dad says,
“It’s time”
and sets off
a frenzy of
last minute touches.
The girls swarm me
like bees

Veil
Garter
Old
New
Borrowed
Blue
I do.

-Erica Wendt