I have never tasted locust-borne starvation,
or been forced to swallow ancient misbeliefs;

I have never run from engine-driven sea waves,
or been thirsty on an island cuffed with reefs.

I have never marched on dirt roads bleeding promise,
or hitched rides on empty highways paved with scorn;

I have never needed loosing from the rubble,
or been jailed for kicking icons in the groin.

I have never counted limbs in refugee camps—
oh, but I have been in eight bridal parties.

————

Maria Bonsanti has a rainbow assortment of vintage polyester bridesmaid’s gowns accessorized with hats, parasols, and capelets. And no, she has never been able to re-wear any of them. If she ever gets married—an event deemed doubtful by her having exceeded the dreaded “three times a bridesmaid, never a bride” curse—she plans to wear Levi’s. And order all the guests to follow suit. Seriously.