The Big Day by Victoria Torres (16, Florida)

"Taboo" by Jacob Lawrence, 1963.

I slip on my dress 
Its white silk brushes 
my skin like a soft sheet 
Then goes on the veil 
rough as a mosquito net ​

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An array of flowers make way 
into my hands 
They look at me with a vibrant smile 
I look at them, smelling their 
sweet, delightful aroma 

Thorns of the roses pierce my palms 
I feel it in my heart 
Warm blood trickles down 
To the velvety-red carpet, 
camouflaging 

Hundreds of eyes 
stare me down the 
rose- petaled aisle 
Their stares pierce through 
my soul, I'm a bride of lies
I ask myself: 
Do I want this? 
Is it really love 
or is it simply yearning?
I am not sure 

Life will soon be over
Freedom and independence
Snatched away for eternity
Life is now dead.

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