It was then that...

PROMPT: Begin with the words "It was then that..." and write a poem out of what comes next.

It was then that joy became real

I could smell it--

Gardenias and hair spray

After shave and roses

Sunshine and vanilla

It was then that joy became real

I could hear it

Wind cooing around us

Laughter bleeding like food coloring

Trumpets and organs and song

It was then that joy became real

I could taste it

Lipstick and toothpaste

Fermented grapes

Marinara and starch

It was then that joy became real

I could see it

My rock up ahead

Smile from ear to ear

A beacon of light guiding me home.

***

My husband and I just finished choosing wedding pictures for our album. After spending the day watching our faces, our families and our friends, I couldn't help but feel a sensory attack of joy.