Marriage for All

Nov 1, 2011 | 2011 Fall - Out in the Workplace, Articles, Poetry

By Jennifer Rokakis

We see it on the evening news.
That radiant banner behind the president which reads:
“Marriage for All.”
I squeeze your hand.
It’s the happiest day of my life.
I’m crying the tears of joy because it’s finally here:
We can get married after all these long years!

The day I’ve been waiting for.
The sky is the color of faded blue jeans.
Two dazzling white dresses,
Red and white roses in hand.
Our proud fathers each take us down the red carpeted aisle.
They’re playing our song – Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.”
I steal a veiled glance at you – you smile.
You’re more beautiful than the first dusting of shimmering
snow.
The pastor starts talking and our moms weep to see their
daughters all grown up.
I take your hand.
This is it.
“Do you take her to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“Jennie. Jennie? Wake up!”

We never got to say “I do.”

Jennifer identifies as pansexual, and is currently a junior at Eastern Michigan University where she is studying Women’s and Gender Studies, and Nonprofit Administration.

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