In their handsomely furnished home in which they will embark on the untried sea of matrimony, the couple welcomed a serenade of friends and family. Armed with horns and tin pans, the raucous bunch was invited in by the bride, who wore a brown traveling suit. The next-door neighbor took possession of the piano and to the strains of “Lie Still, My Dear” and accompanied by flute played by the sister of the groom, guests gathered in the tasteful parlor, adorned with sassafras leaves. Storytelling added to the pleasure, as did a palatable supper. Several watermelons were served. Ferns and friends filled every cranny. As sweet peas scented the room, the bride’s father entertained those assembled with a boyhood story of the time he and his mates dallied freely in the fermented berry batch of one Mr. Hotchkiss. Mr. Hotchkiss, present, was greatly enthused by the telling.

Jennifer Clark

is the author of three full-length poetry collections, most recently A Beginner’s Guide to Heaven (Unsolicited Press). Co-editor of the anthology Immigration & Justice for Our Neighbors (Celery City Books), she has a hybrid collection, Kissing the World Goodbye, forthcoming from Unsolicited Press in 2022. She lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Author’s website: www.jenniferclarkkzoo.com