I didn’t want to go, but I’m glad I did

I didn’t want to go, but I’m glad I did

She sent me the invitation

Certain she didn’t want me to RSVP

She was following protocol

Instead of stalking me

My friends said I should attend

To let others see what she missed

I would have settled for an explanation

And a sincere, goodbye kiss

I donned my best suit

And straightened my tie

My business shoes took the polish

I became candy for her unsettled eye

I could have walked the distance

Lured by the sound of the church bell

Will my consternation make today her day?

Is my confusion an easy tell?

I kept to myself

Greeting no one on the floor

They also did likewise

I was there to ignore

Only one wanted to see me

Scrutinizing my thinly veiled pain

I didn’t give her the satisfaction

She only saw my stoic restrain(t)

So, I sat through the song

And, I stood through the march

Then, I listened to that question

Remaining silent. Remaining starched.

By 1 pm

I was ready to go

I confirmed what I already knew

There was no bar set too low

Her marriage was over

Before it began

Some people provoke jealousy

Some people refuse the sham

The groom to be

Became the groom that ran

The bride that hedged

Became the bride left stand(ing)

And I happily departed

Exactly as I arrived

Bachelor status confirmed

Cuckold status denied