1954

I remember the smell of beer

going down the back steps

The keg under the dartboard

the men in long sleeves

Being carried by my grandfather

and each uncle one by one

Old Spice and English Lavender

as hugs and kisses were exchanged

The garage door open to the back yard

where music was playing

The bride throwing her bouquet

girls screaming with glee

I was six years old when they married

Eisenhower’s picture in the hall

The smell of the fresh cut grass

and cigarette smoke mixing freely outside

It was the best of all possible times

God and country held us tight

The best of all possible times

—as hope and laughter filled the air

 

(Family Wedding: June, 1954)

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