It’s not the cheap plastic ring but
the words he’s told her endlessly
ceaselessly lulling her to sleep
like a lullaby in a torn bed sheet.
Not the roses he’s bought but the blood that flowed
in and out and in of his veins, heart thumping and pumping
more blood than he’ll ever need for the day
just because it isn’t a day it’s a moment of a lifetime.
The pastor says, you may now kiss but it’s cliche
because he’s already known thoroughly
the softness of her lips against his rough, tattered
lips from bleeding and bleeding sleepless nights through.
Not the suit he’s wearing but the gown she wears because
finally after so long that he knows his biggest applause
was when she took off her high heels and wore
the cheap pair of slippers he saved up every penny for.
; 