Flaunting Innocence
by iambe
vows exchanged
o’er spectacular vista;
two alone.
wedding reception:
champagne, cake kisses
two celebrate.
consummation
private, silent in night;
‘They’ must not hear!
family of two
smiles toast housewarming;
sad asides . . . .
glance on passing
in hall packed with persons;
check : was it secret?
door fast closed
even as embrace;
tired of hiding.
one open kiss
as shock ripples crowd;
scowls speak danger.
door opens
her face all answers:
end of gladness.
for-sale sign;
they weep holding strong
as two against . . . .
van pulls away
‘neath their glistened glare;
they’d no neighbors.
new town smiles;
two look wary afar
more concealed.
look away
when passing in peopled halls;
looking strangers.
door slow closed
tears find embrace;
joy is rare now.