Bride Doll, Her Poem

I remember the way we imagined her wedding
veils like clouds, holding paper flowers.
and this would be everyday.

she would be the everyday bride
always in satin.
pearl drop earrings.

she would float down the
aisles of cathedrals
and never do shopping.

what would she eat?
wedding mints?
lime sherbet punch

to drink?
rising every morn
to Mendelssohn's one

song for her
and the organ starting up.
pearlescent the skies would greet her

at the door.
her lily dressed bridesmaids listen
for that glistening instep.

later on the porch
with more cake, stuffed
my sister and I

would crown her again:
queen of all the brides.

mary angela douglas 29 september 2015