All eyes are on
The bride walking down the aisle
My eyes are
On you.
I am here
Holding my breath
At your wedding
Just one of the boys
Tearing up like a girl.
I am here
To witness your bliss
To wish you well
To watch my childhood dream
Be crushed by
The flight of doves,
The throwing of rice
The clink of glass
“You may kiss the bride…”
My chest implodes
And it feels like
A stupid corset is the only thing
Holding me intact
But I will manage a smile
When you have your photo taken at our table
One arm casually slung across my shoulder
Your playground pal
Your devoted shadow
I wish you well
I wish you well
I wish you well
I can do this
And as I finally say it out loud
—I wish you all the best—
Your bride is already turning
To the next guest
But you,
You are still smiling at me
Drawing me close
Planting a kiss
on my forehead
In that oblivious,
tender way
I come undone.