She Wore a Parachute

             

Most people think of sky diving

when wearing a parachute,

a silk cloth that mushrooms out

capturing air, allowing the wearer

to float safely to the ground. 

He lived through World War II

and like many who returned, his

pack was stuffed with souvenirs. 

Some chose guns,

helmets, knives, something to 

remember their time in the war.

My dad took a silk parachute

thinking it would make a 

gift for someone back home.

It took him a year to find 

the woman he loved,

one he remembered when 
he was young.

He was thrilled when she 

accepted his proposal 

then showed her a surprise,

yards and yards of white silk 

“Use this to make 

your wedding dress.”

She smiled and complied. 

Took a little while, removing

cords, then cutting a pattern

to make a gown.

Ordered lilies from Hawaii, 

wore perfume he brought
from France, 

the whole town was invited

to celebrate

each taking turns to dance

getting a chance to touch

the silk of her wedding dress

feelling like they were floating

through the skies

grateful 

for all who survived.