Riposte

Mixed Marriage which is published in the current issue of 'Riposte' is my 29th poem to appear in this publication

Mixed Marriage

Trying to make sense

Of this Babel of Polynesian and Yupik

You move among the guests

Try not to notice the whirling bolos

The harpoons

And the swinging stone clubs

Pause to sample

The yam paste and roast gibbon

Or slurp a spoonful of moose soup

Applaud as the bride now resplendent

In printed cotton, immaculately manicured Garlands

And sun bucket hat enters

The Groom, magnificent in beaded walrus hide

Caribou skin goggles

And matching moccasins

Two steps behind