The Petals

She bends to pick up the petals
that she had strewn during her Aunt's wedding,
Grandpa not there to give away the bride
after he passed away a month before the wedding.

Her heart misses his love and great sense of humor
remembered his encouragement that she could do anything,
which helped her to not fear walking down the aisle in front of a crowd,
carefully collecting the rose fragments while reception is taking place,
feels a cold kiss upon her cheek, and a familiar voice say, "I'm so proud of you,"
tears stream down her cheeks from knowing Grandpa came to ceremony after all.