That Look

I sat among the guests on bales of prickly straw,
the afternoon sun hot on heads and backs,
the expanse of Tuscan sky a perfect blue.
And so, daughter, were you,
perfect in your wedding dress, in your hands
a pastel bouquet and single flower in your hair.
I admit, I shed a tear,
feeling that a part of me had gone forever.
When the celebrant announced
that you were now a wife.
I recalled the beginning of your life;
my happiest moment was then reflected
in that look of joy that made you glow
and made me happier than you’ll ever know.

Kim M. Russell, 14th July 2020

Joyful bride015 (2) (1)

My response to dVerse Poets Pub Poetics: 8th Anniversary

This week at the dVerse Poets Pub, we are celebrating our eighth anniversary. One of its founders, Brian Miller, is our guest host for this Tuesday’s Poetics.

Brian says that moments captured in photographs can evoke a lot of emotion, stir our own memories, and invite us to add our own story. Today, he wants us to capture a moment in our verse and clearly describe what is in that moment, paint a picture with words that will evoke the emotions and experiences of others.

46 thoughts on “That Look”

  2. Big smiles. I am getting closer to that day. My oldest is graduating high school this coming year and my youngest is only 2 years behind.

    I had a tear on my wedding day. When the doors opened and she was there. Took my breathe away. And it was impossible to hold back. I am sure on their day it will be much the same.

    Nicely crafted moment Kim.

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    1. Thank you, Bev! I don’t think she’s seen it yet – she was out all day yesterday and will be out again today, making the most of her husband’s week off. I think they’ve taken Lucas strawberry picking today.

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  9. Most have collected a quart of tears after the weddings of all three of my daughters. “that look” appears on the face of every bride, transcendent, heavenly, spiritual–and all that witness it feel their hearts straining at their chests. The picture, the moment, approaches perfection, as does this poem.

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  21. Beautifully written Kim, I especially love how you merged two beautiful moments and memories into one:

    ‘I recalled the beginning of your life;
    my happiest moment was then reflected
    in that look of joy that made you glow
    and made me happier than you’ll ever know’

    Liked by 1 person

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