After the Wedding

She's standing with some friends. I've known her
For years. We grew up together, then were schoolmates
I can't remember realising I loved her.
When her heart was first broken maybe.
When I'd wanted to hold her, to tell her
That everything would be all right, that I was there.
During this morning's wedding, I'd spoken every vow to her
Tried to cheat reality with imagaination.

And then reality acts. My angel walks towards me
Smiling. My heart reels. I wish there was a waiter
With a platter of champagne
So I could smoothly take two and hand one to her
I wish I had a nicer tux. I wish I was James Bond.

It doesn't matter what she says. Her voice is music.
We walk out into the garden
All hung about with lights. Her eyes sparkle
And her laugh is pure magic. Every second in her company
Is...wordless. Indescribable.

We walk until there's no-one else. My heart,
She must hear it beating. It's then I see it
In her hesitant eyes, her slight trembling.
With a shock, I recognise it as uncertainty.

I don't know what to do. All I can think of
Is to look into those eyes, boundless as the sky above.
She puts her hands on my shoulders.
It's then I bend my head and kiss her for the first time.

Her lips are warm. I'd kiss them forever.
I have the courage
To place my hands on her hips, feel hers on my cheek.
When we finally stop, she smiles with open joy
And when we walk back to the party
I'm holding her hand.