Bridesmaids

After Matthew 25:1-13

They rush out giggling:

a wedding. Giddy

in excitement, a state

sublime if exhausting,

they buy their lamps

but no oil, not enough,

sufficient for a shirt time.

Another: they rush out,

giggling: a wedding, Giddy

in excitement, They buy

their maps, extra oil, to wait

for the bridegroom,

the precise time

of his arrival unknown,

extra oil sufficient

for a time and a time

The hour arrives;

five stumble in darkness,

their night vision impaired.

Five follow in light.

The door closes.

The door shuts.

Five bridesmaids

unknown.

Photograph by Eloi Khan via Public Domain Pictures. Used with permission.