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I strayed into the church on an impulse It was a mistake to get off the bus in the village here I should have waited until we reached the summer cabins, but all of a sudden I wasn’t sure where we were I got off without asking It turned out to be eighteen kilometres too soon The next bus isn’t until three, which is another four hours yet It’s like that on Saturdays, in the outlying areas   Now I’m sitting in the church with my holdall, surrounded by people in their best clothes I might as well be doing something while I’m here The main door is still open and the sun is shining outside The church is on top of a hill When I turn round and look out, I can see the view of fields and the sky Many of the others keep turning round too, twisting their heads this way and that After a bit there’s some muffled activity in the porch The organ begins to play and the bride steps into the church on her father’s arm Everyone stands up, nodding and smiling   I look into the bride’s eyes as she comes past Her hair is blonde and arranged in an updo Her father nods An elderly woman next to me leans across   ‘Ooh,’ she says softly   Her voice is a tremble She smells of camphor   ‘Yes,’ I whisper back   ‘Isn’t she just!’ the woman says, still a tremble   We sit down and the ceremony begins       After it starts I nearly leave I ought to But on the other hand it’s anyone’s right to sit and gape And if I leave now I’ll only draw attention So I stay put and join in the hymns when it’s time to sing, and leaf on to the next one in plenty of time   It takes a while, but then it’s over and the happy couple kiss The door is opened and the organ plays They walk back up the aisle, holding hands and smiling   Once they’ve left the church the guests follow them out I wait until last A woman stands in the porch shaking everyone’s hand;