After the Wedding 

The coat-room of the church hall was locked.
Her coat inside. I found the man with the keys
And he unlocked the door for us.
I must tell you a story," he said
In a gentle voice and though
We were tired and wanted to go home
I asked him to go ahead and tell his story.

Two little girls rushed past me 
And jumped up at their coats. They giggled
Ran back out the door and down the stairs 
To the church hall and the end of the reception.

Deb got her coat from the rack 
And he began with a small smile.
He said I looked exactly like a doctor
He had known back in Yugoslavia.
Same face and build, and beard.
Except the doctor was blonde
...Not in the darker way like you."

He smiled and told us that the doctor
Always told his patients to look after
Themselves, but never took care of himself.

Gone at 45. He left four children behind."
His face said that he was back there 
And there was no more to tell with words.
We were ready to leave so 
I smiled and told him I would look after myself.
He smiled but his eyes said his doubt.
I put my hand on his arm and said goodbye.

Deb and I walked out to the church parking lot
Into the cold, bright October air. 
An afternoon reception for a morning wedding Mass.
We turned up the street to reach the car.
She with her blonde hair and blue eyes,
I with my darker way.

© Harley

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