"Refrain"

Run, heart, run!
Fly to the end of the aisle
and out the stone-heavy doors——
this is not your sanctuary.
Any minute now she’ll
bear a man’s name.
Your name is deep-set on the guest list.


Look, fool!
The feast-tables are laid plenty;
Eternity arrives tonight for
once-your woman.
The guests turn up contesting stories——
reports of her mock-sudden nuptials.
Today she's gone from you forever.


Wait...
The bride is gazing over her shoulder
(Did you just call out her name?)
She furls her tapered wings
outside her love-chamber——
all eyes on you as she turns and listens...
Nothing, you bloody-say nothing.