Linda Dreeben

Un-wedding Wedding Dress for Sale
Appropriate for someone young, barely an adult, not sure of marriage. Floor
length, square neckline, lace bodice, lace-edged cap sleeves, no known designer.
Someone who decides to get married driving in a car in a rainstorm and does not
tell anyone for weeks. Off off white, cotton blend. Best for bride who does not care
about China, silver, crystal, will wear a garden hat rather than a veil, wants to mix
with guests before the ceremony, will keep her name, and may not wear her
wedding ring for several years. Stored in a plastic bin, forgotten, crumpled for 52
years. Surprise rediscovery. Freshly cleaned, preserved in plastic, like an insect in
amber. Dress could lead to 43 years of marriage, for better and worse. Two sons,
two puppies, two houses. Unconditional love 85% of the time, sex maybe a little
less than that. Growth, stagnation, silliness, screaming, comfort, restlessness,
frustration, silences, laughter, contentment, love. Widowhood. Bought and worn
once in 1973. A dress that can outlast the marriage. Vintage, like a memorable
wine that comes from a single year.