Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE BRIDAL VEIL, by ALICE CARY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: We're married, they say, and you think Last Line: Of bliss that can never be written or spoken. Subject(s): Brides; Love; Marriage; Peace; Weddings; Husbands; Wives | ||||||||
WE'RE married, they say, and you think you have won me, -- Well, take this white veil from my head, and look on me; Here's matter to vex you, and matter to grieve you, Here's doubt to distrust you, and faith to believe you, -- I am all as you see, common earth, common dew; Be wary, and mould me to roses, not rue! Ah! shake out the filmy thing, fold after fold, And see if you have me to keep and to hold, -- Look close on my heart -- see the worst of its sinning, -- It is not yours to-day for the yesterday's winning -- The past is not mine -- I am too proud to borrow -- You must grow to new heights if I love you to-morrow. We're married! I'm plighted to hold up your praises, As the turf at your feet does its handful of daisies; That way lies my honor, -- my pathway of pride, But, mark you, if greener grass grow either side, I shall know it, and keeping in body with you, Shall walk in my spirit with feet on the dew! We're married! Oh, pray that our love do not fail! I have wings flattened down and hid under my veil: They are subtle as light -- you can never undo them, And swift in their flight -- you can never pursue them, And spite of all clasping, and spite of all bands, I can slip like a shadow, a dream, from your hands. Nay, call me not cruel, and fear not to take me, I am yours for my life-time, to be what you make me, -- To wear my white veil for a sign, or a cover, As you shall be proven my lord, or my lover; A cover for peace that is dead, or a token Of bliss that can never be written or spoken. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A BLESSING FOR A WEDDING by JANE HIRSHFIELD A SUITE FOR MARRIAGE by DAVID IGNATOW ADVICE TO HER SON ON MARRIAGE by MARY BARBER THE RABBI'S SON-IN-LAW by SABINE BARING-GOULD KISSING AGAIN by DORIANNE LAUX A TIME PAST by DENISE LEVERTOV A SPINSTER'S STINT by ALICE CARY |
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