Sixth Blessing by Lois Perch Villemaire

Sixth Blessing

It was a floral and satin wedding.
I was honored to be asked
by my niece and her husband-to-be
to recite one of the seven blessings.
I was number six.

As number five concluded
I floated to the chuppah
The rabbi lifted his chin
and motioned,
I stepped to the designated spot
noticing the sea of guests,
bride and groom beaming,
intoxicated with joy.

I felt calm,
but my Apple Watch
tapped my wrist,
I glanced down at the message—
heart rate high.

*

Lois Perch Villemaire is the author of “My Eight Greats,” a family history in poetry and prose published in 2023. Her work has appeared in such places as ONE ART, The Ekphrastic Review, Pen In Hand, and anthologies including I Am My Father’s Daughter. Lois lives in Annapolis, MD. where she enjoys researching family history connections, fun photography, and doting over her collection of African violets.