The snow began to fall
on a chilly mid-December morning.
The world was sparkling
with such radiance that day,
but there was something that put the
snow to shame and made the
glittering earth seem as though it
were simply covered with dirt.
That thing was the smile of a girl,
excited and nervous beyond measure,
because today was her wedding day.
The worn out prayer she had repeated
time and time again through the years
was going to be answered today.
She woke to soft music
gently wafting up the steps.
She went to investigate the source
of the sweet sounds,
as she got closer the music swelled.
Then as if someone was with her
she began to dance.
She danced with her invisible partner
in her socks and too large button-down shirt.
Soon the morning melted into afternoon
and she was on her way to the church.
The guests were there, family and friends,
the bridal party assembled, and
most importantly, the groom was waiting.
The man she had prayed, hoped, longed, and dreamed
to marry was only a few steps away.
The ceremony was more moving than imaginable
and as the I do’s approached
it was as though everyone was holding their breath
as if to make sure they did not miss any details.
The groom lifted her veil and
revealed her shining face.
He looked at her for a moment and
bent down to kiss his new wife.
He was only millimeters from her face and
her alarm suddenly rang
with a violent eruption of sound
ripping the girl back to the reality
of her dorm room.
There was no more glittering fantasy world,
simply a muddy courtyard.
The tremendous smile was
now replaced with tears
that gently trickled down her cheeks
and onto her bed as she realized
she had to go to class.