The staff announced a party to celebrate the day.
All residents invited for music and be sure to say
If you have your wedding dress.
We'll find a model to present it—we'll have a show.

Betty got excited to think of seeing that dress again—
Stored for 60 years or more.
Son Philip found the box and Betty loosed the lid—
Wrinkles owned the satin gown.
(Her mother and Aunt Bertha hid it
while they sewed it
in Enid.)

A young nurse, she chose the veil herself
—during lunch hour in OKC. Two lacy half-circles
with a headband of apple blossoms.
Memories flooded Betty's heart
That day was here again.
She opened the yellowed album
Pictures of herself with him,
but none could show or equal the
Pictures in her head.

"How will I get these wrinkles out?
It won't look right this way.
A friend—I'll ask a friend to help me with the ironing."
The clock hands spun—they steamed and pressed
for an hour and then two.
The veil and then the dress—

The day is known for valentines, hearts, and weddings—love.
Someone baked a wedding cake—displayed, and served to guests.
But first, the gowns were modeled and none proclaimed as best
For the gown is the beginning and years decide the rest.