December 2016
I am an Associate Professor of English at Erie Community College North in Buffalo, N.Y. I have 5 books, 2 chapbooks, and 1 CD of poetry. I am married to Maria Sebastian, a well-known singer/songwriter, and we perform our poetry and music together at many venues in the WNY area. For more information please visit my website: www.perrynicholas.com
Gianna's Wedding
I smiled with the deep satisfaction of fathers
—John Logan
Most of all I remember the oppressive heat,
the luminescence of your hair and dress.
Next, the confident, careful way you guided me
down the nature path to the gazebo by the water.
Stifling morning on the Gulf,
the smiling Pastor waiting,
groom holding back tears,
and me, your father, in tow, wavering.
I tried so hard to stay in control,
not step a second time
on the corner of your ruffled gown—
we laughed at the absurdity.
And passing you on to him,
it seemed like an appropriate time to cry—
the perfect gift, handing my little girl
over into adult love, soon fatherless.
©2016 Perry S. Nicholas
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