Season of Prom Memories
Season of Prom Memories
poem by Alice Jane-Marie Massa
At the far side of the large closet,
on a plastic hanger is still
the yellow prom dress–
purchased alone at her favorite shop
on Wabash Avenue in Terre Haute, Indiana.
In 1967, on the rack at The Lisbon Shop
were very few prom dresses in size 3, petite.
Luckily, one seemed perfect:
pale yellow with a boat neckline
trimmed with tiny embroidered flowers,
sleeveless, Empire waist,
mock trail off the back shoulders,
full-length, lemon Chiffon over taffeta.
The long white gloves and white heels are lost,
but the pastel yellow prom dress
drapes over the hanger like
a cascade of memories.
“Whispers of the Orient”
was the theme of the prom
at the Aragon Ballroom,
on the north edge of Clinton, Indiana.
The date did not have enough money to rent a tuxedo,
so he wore a nice blue-gray suit–no matter!
A corsage of three bright yellow roses
with white ribbons and lace
were pressed between the pages of a thick dictionary
and were kept for a long time–but no more.
Most people would bring to life prom memories
through photos in an old album;
but once in a blue Moon,
one who cannot see photos
touches the memories
of a saved yellow prom dress
on a plastic hanger,
at the far side of a large closet
reserved for recollections.
* * *
Happy memories to all during these final days of National Poetry Month!
Alice and Leader Dog Willow
April 27, 2022, Wednesday
alice13wordwalk 
Enjoyed reading this poem with the details of your prom experience. I am sure the pale yellow dress was lovely contrasted with your dark hair!
Hi, Sue–Thanks for reading this poem and sending a comment. I have
been thinking about you and hoping we can talk sometime next week. What
a time for JEOPARDY fans!
Take good care–Alice and Willow (Mary told me that surprisingly, the
dress has not faded in color.)
Hi Alice,
As you often do you captured us with a poignant reminder of a precious time with words that put us right there for this special evening.
What a lovely recollection of an exciting purchase and time. I too, had a yellow prom dress, one covered in white lace, purchased at the Meis store in Terre Haute. Mine was saved, but not so carefully, and served in the dress up clothes box for the grandchildren until just a few years ago.
Of course, my prom was also at the Aragon Ballroom. How fortunate our small town was to have that available as an alternative to the school gym. I wonder if it was as grand as it seemed then?
I hope you and Willow are doing well and enjoying these early spring days.
What a sweet poem of a special high school memory, Alice! The yellow prom dress is still so pretty—I”m glad that it still makes you happy.
Love to you and Willow,
Mary
This was a very beautiful and memorable poem, thank you for bringing us back to that magical night.
Hello, Rebeca–Many thanks for reading this post and leaving such a nice
comment! How nice to hear from you again!
Best wishes for a happy month of May–Alice and Willow