Student Publishing Program ::

Erik S.

Fictional Memoir “Peasant Wedding”

Yesterday was a very special day, especially for a peasant such as myself. It was the wedding of my brother, Frank Miller, and his new wife, Laura Smith. They seemed like the perfect couple, both honest, hard-working folk. They spent a great deal of time together in the weeks leading up to the wedding. With any luck, I think they will be a very happy couple.

On the morning of the wedding I took extra care to make myself presentable. I washed my finest clothes and even took a bath myself in the cold water of the washing basin. I combed my knotted hair with a coarse brush. I even borrowed a nice pair of shoes from my neighbor. Ironically, I stepped in a puddle the moment I left my cottage.

The wedding ceremony was a long and boring affair, even for someone of such low birth as myself. Mrs. Miller looked very beautiful in her long black dress and tiara. The tiara, a gift from her mother, accentuated her long brown hair, which flowed past her shoulders like a river. Frank also looked handsome in a dark brown suit and pants. However, he was rarely seen after the ceremony, which made Mrs. Miller very distressed. Hopefully, this will not become a habit of his; I want them to be happy.

The reception afterwards was much more pleasurable and remarkable. The live bagpipe music uplifted my spirits and enticed me to dance. It was played by pot-bellied little men in red shirts who constantly eyed the food that was served. The decorations around the room were uniquely designed and exquisitely made. One wall decoration was a pair of long brown grasses bound together. I believe it symbolized the harvest. Behind the bride was a large, dark green cloth with a red, white and green striped design on it. There was also a large board with many notices and messages on it. However, I couldn’t read it because I am mostly illiterate.

The most important part of the reception was, of course, the food. There was porridge, pie, wine, and all other types of food being passed around. I helped serve other people by handing out food from the large tray carried around by two young men. It was delicious and filling and enough food was served to sustain me for days. Even children were eating and drinking all around. They sat where they could and devoured anything they got their hands on. Whenever anyone dropped some porridge, the dogs would bolt out from under the table and eat it up.

All the food and entertainment came together and resulted in a great deal of joy and mirth among the guests. The feelings continued as we returned to our cottages and the next morning as we resumed the normal day-to-day routine of farming peasants.

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