They’re not yet married – but dating, probably
the July before their November nuptials. She knew

him from the skating rink and, once she found
he worked at the Mobil station down Main Street

from the Liberty, she and Lurlene would saunter by
to say hello after a show or she’d take Daddy’s Jeep,

pick up Lurl & Dollie, or maybe ask Judy Carol or Ann,
go get gas. Flirt. They’d smile at each other, chat quietly.

He’d be nice to the passengers. They’d talk about skating
or going to a show soon. Last week, they made plans to meet

up at the park that Friday for the fair. He came from work
in his white shirt sleeves, slightly wrinkled from the work day,

good black gabardine slacks still holding a nice crease & cuff,
comfortable black loafers – fresh shave & haircut from earlier

in the week. She paired a plain, starched white cotton blouse,
collar up, with navy & pink plaid shorts just above the knee –

added sensible navy espadrilles and a simple gold chain bracelet
her sisters gave her for high school graduation. They decided

they needed a good picture together. They choose the pastoral
backdrop – light blue & white of a perfect late summer sky

over a landscape of muted greens & browns of the Appalachians –
two stark leafless trees frame them. They lean into each other. Always

the gentleman, he crosses his legs, left over right – relaxes
his right forearm on the knee and lets the hand hang loose.

His right hand hidden behind her, supported on the bench. She touches
his leg with her right hand; her left, fingers splayed, on her left knee as if

to show the photographer exactly where that little diamond would go
in a few months. Young love – it shows in their sparkling eyes looking

forward – directly at the camera. Both break a smile as if they know
what lies ahead – all the houses, three boys, all the sports, activities, family

vacations, the grandchildren, not to mention the great grandchildren, everyone
they will come to love (and who will love them) in their almost 64 years together.