1992

 by Kate Perko 

 

within thin plastic pages

sit moments documenting

“the happiest day of their lives”

 

she’s wearing a purple-polka-dotted tank top

purple striped pants

a virgin gaze 

he wears a blue polka-dotted sweater vest

a newlywed smile

 

she’s held up by time

before it slipped away 

the hands of her new husband

before he could not longer hold her up 

as if she was trying to show off that horrible outfit

before it was thrown away 

and her new flashy gold ring 

before it was lost and rusted 

I can see the smiles

before they faded 

and hear the giddy laughter 

before it got silent 

 

smiles

polka-dotted clothes

hope of a happy marriage

happy family

are trapped in an 8x8 photo