Read Poetry: I hear the bells ringing, by Larry Perkins

I hear the bells ringing,
Soprano choir singing.
I open the door
to see you up there,
White veil nestled
in impeccable hair.

Row after row
of family and friends,
Seated and arranged
as not to offend.
I cautiously find
my own way in,
The minister says,
“shall we begin.”

“Dearly beloved,
we’re gathered here today,”
I think to myself,
I shouldn’t stay.
My mind starts to wander
to days in the past,
My eyes upon you,
it’s moving too fast.

You were special,
my first true love,
Heaven sent,
I thought from above.
I thought we would spend
a lifetime as one,
Your heart, I begged,
I never won.

I see the ring,
slide on your finger,
Kissing your lips,
the flavor would linger.
You turn as one
and present to the crowd,
Your love to another
officially vowed.

You march down the aisle,
in perfect stride,
Fully enamored
in each other’s pride.
Your eyes meet mine,
a total surprise,
Goodbye, without hesitation, your face implies.

Through the front door
in a hail of rice,
My end to a life
that would have been nice.
Seeing you marry
the man of your dreams,
My heart melting down through tearful streams.