Vows

For M and J

Vows

You walk down the aisle on your father’s arm,
wrist encircled by a dented bracelet 
embossed by budding teeth from
the time your grandmother offered it
to soothe sore gums all those years ago.

You turn to him and speak your vows, 
tender and sure and laced with dreams.
We sit close. Our wedding rings
once as sturdy as our promises, 
are thin filaments of gold,
circling bent fingers that still recall
the caress of newfound love.