In the presence of my wedding picture

In the presence of my wedding picture.

As it hang on the wall.

I go down the memory lane of our day.

I remember that moment I woke up and realised it’s thee day.

That moment I fitted my tuxedo.

That moment I got ready for the big day.

That moment my mother was shouting let’s not make our in-laws wait at the aisle.

Her joy realising I am going to be someone`s husband.

That looks in my father’s face, with pride in his eyes “I made a man out of him”.

As I walk to the Aisle silence moment within me “I am doing it today”

That pride that I did all that was required of me.

I owed nothing to the in-laws, I paid Lobola in full.

As everyone scrim their lungs out here comes the bride.

That moment her brother greeted me and gave me her hand.

With a smile on my face little voice I whisper *thank you*

Proceed with the future, I say to her I do, she says I do too.

Smiles on us as we kiss to the future.

As I throw the garter in the air for the next future.

She throws the flowers to the other future.

We proceed to take memories of the day.

It’s like yesterday holding her under that tree that blossom new beginnings.

 It’s like I can go inside that picture and relive the day again.

Today I relook back at that I have and memories of her comeback.

I hold these memories like I held her coffin two years ago.

As I walked her on her last journey with me.

I miss her smell, her touch, her cooking.

I sometimes wonder what will she be saying to me today as she dishes for me.

I still remember the tears on her eyes as we discovered we were going to be parents.

Eish I miss her more as I look in the depth of this picture.

I had a wife, a soul mate, a provider, my everything.

I know her spirit leaves with me.

I know her love still walks with me.

I know in heaven she is waiting for me in the gates just to walk with me to the maker.

I still remember her last word same as the ones she uttered in the Aisle.

I will love you even after death you will still be my one and only.

In the presence of my wedding picture.

Umhlaziyi Ozimele

Sandile Mngadi

I wrote this poem for all those who lost their partners. I wish you find comfort in these words.