Joanna Gilman Hyde

The Hawk Kitchen 5:20am

I just woke from a crystal dream

of watching an elderly Bride

through a car window —

Hunter was with Me in the car —

The Bride was sitting, waiting

in a white wool knitted cap

there was a sign next to Her:

“Wedding Today”

She had smudged fuchsia lipstick

& and black hair beneath Her cap

but She was OLD

–

Her elderly Groom came to Her Right Side

holding a Single Black Rose

with a little brown bird ornament

which He offered to pin on His Bride

She hesitated but was glad to receive It

I watched & I cried

I cried

& cried