I watched her progress down the aisle

Her father's pride, her mother's smile

The white gown flowing, a sight to drink

Her blue eyes sparkling in a face tinged pink

The oohs and aahs as I took her hand

The moment captured in an image grand

The solemn words, the vows exchanged

The rings presented and arranged

The kiss, the clapping and the cheers

Parents grinning through their tears

Down the aisle and out the door

Our lives now changed for evermore

The kick was violent, the noise was loud

I wakened startled, my mind a cloud

All evidence of the dream dispersed

Reality returned at its very worst

I turned to face her, her eyes still closed

A laugh, a snarl some force imposed

For just a moment I thought she'd heard

When I smoothed her cheek with a whispered word

But it didn't last, she kicked again

And roared aloud as if in pain

I tried once more to no avail

Then quit the fight and the bed travail

I lay awake while down the hall

Came the endless growl of some demon's call

The sparkling eyes with the pink tinged skin

Showing the fear of the sickness within

That miracle day from so long ago

Held no hint of what we now know

And that lifetime we shared as the best of the best

Is ticking away with none for the rest

I sit now and wonder can I make it alone

A soured old man with heart turned to stone

Just rusted memories of someone so grand

Not there to share as once eagerly planned

Will I mourn in self pity over all that I've lost

Will my bitterness rage at the personal cost

Time's running out and I'm too tired to chase

I'll save my strength to recall her beautiful face