By terry
Date: 1 November 2000
A Close Call
I’m apprehensive about doing this,
But I’m also compelled to see if she can really do it.
So reaching out, I pulled the massive oak doors open and entered the chapel.
The vestibule is just as I remember it from my childhood,
Deep burgundy carpet and polished oak everywhere.
And through the auditorium doors, I could see about a dozen people gathered near the front pews,
Chatting among one another while they awaited the start of the ceremony.
A huge oak and silver inlaid cross loomed over them like a testament to the truth of today,
And not wanting to be seen, I slipped through the left door leading up to the balcony
Where I could observe without causing a scene.
After all, her Dad had said he would kill me if I ever came within a mile of his baby girl.
Yet here I sat,
No doubt within just a few feet from where she was probably waiting anxiously.
And I could feel her in my head now,
Which meant that I was the one she was thinking about
Not the blue-blazered country club kid standing there with a nervous grin on his face.
Oh, Ginny, why did it happen?
What had ever compelled me to push you away
When all you ever wanted was to love me?
And baby, that was truly all I ever wanted too.
But your Dad,
God how that man hated me; with such a fierce passion, I was afraid for you.
So when he talked to my boss and I was suddenly laid off for ‘slow times’ I never told you.
And when I saw I would not have the means to ever give you the life you deserved,
Well, that was when I decided to let you go.
But damn, did that decision hurt like hell.
But you never knew that.
All you heard was the lie.
That I did not love you and thought we should just call it quits.
You never knew how that ripped my heart out
To stand there and see your face crumple and the tears fall.
And now, six months later, here I am.
I heard you were taking the plunge
So I had to see for myself...
And as the organ began to play, I knew I could not go through with it.
I needed to flee this place
Escape the torture my heart was starting to feel before I was ripped apart.
So, I stumbled back down the stairs
My vision blurring by the salty tears that were now flowing of their own accord
And turned the corner to escape
Only to be stopped dead in my tracks.
There she stands, a vision of white satin and lace,
And absolutely the most beautiful girl I had ever seen in my life
My Ginny.
And from her outstretched arms, I can see that statement is still true.
My Ginny.
So without thought I swept her into my arms and kissed her with every ounce of passion in me.
And she responded with such a fierce hunger I knew this was right.
And breaking the kiss, she whispered
“Oh, hurry my love, take me from here now, before anyone can stop us, please?”
And with a laugh, I swept her into my arms
And pushed the exterior door open to flee into the bright sunshine.
With Ginny,
My Ginny
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