proof

girl stands among
the others
idle like . . . lost children
words are important
but ineffectual to
tell them
misty-eyed
prettier than remembered

i ascended the aisle
to move beyond
every step closer
to virtue
could know love like . . .

girl smiled
proof that there is more
beyond the complex
and devious
running off to be baptized
emotions diluted
and the body grows cold