Summer Wedding Autumn Dad Poem by Lonnie Hicks

I was a summer blossom
given away;
walking before a tear-scented Wedding Train,

inside an arm-locked processional,

with attending musical strains,
rose petal aisled
marriage vows.

My Dad finally breathed-
not wanting to release
but willed himself.

Love leaves that autumn-

mixing then
separations
and matrimonies,

ironies
and cleavings,

all falling gently
from his tree;
floating
evolving-
winging
paradoxes
and meanings-

leaf rustlings stirring;
signaling
someone's winter
and someone's spring.

Dad cries.

Daughter loves
both autumn leaves
and summer blossomings-

a gardenia scent
in the heavy air
falls quietly-
memory
stroked;
still trembling.