The Wedding Itch That Stole Innocence

A friend of mine got married last weekend. Our mothers are best friends, so I was basically part of the wedding household. During the events of the week, questions and comments once again ensued. This time around I'm older and wiser and not quite bitter, but still thought it due time to revive my creation from similar experiences last November:

The Wedding Itch That Stole Innocence

The experience for the single Indian young woman, versus the rest of the free world.

Simplified, Dr. Suess style (or at least my best attempt at it).

A wedding! Oh wedding!
A party, a feast, a ball
Dress up and join in the start of it all
Dance through the baraat
Mingle, meet and smile a lot
For even though there is one bride
The crowd smiles upon you with hope and pride.

"How old is she? What does she do?"
"Is she still single? She’s working for whom?"
The buzzing it starts, keeps turning your ears
During cocktails you’re asked, and approached, and you fear
Is there is a sign on my forehead?
Did I sport the “Marry me” cap?
Alas not, dear child, it’s just part of the pact

When you were born daughter to your parents
You unknowingly obliged
To a lifetime of freedom, but only 'till age twenty-five
At that mark, all is fair
In love and war, no unreasonable dare
Young gentlemen surround, glancing here, staring there
Lilies of the centerpiece wave like white flags in the air

Look at it as giving up
Look at is as being stuck
Or take it as a sign from above
“Your time is coming, get ready to shove”
Enjoy yourself, have fun for sure
There is no pain you must endure
Open minds and open hearts
Go long ways in parents’ thoughts

And when the questions do arise
Be ready so it's no surprise
You're at a wedding, a party galore
The world's on a mission to celebrate once more