There's a wedding in the orchard, dear, I know it by the flowers; They're wreathed on every bough and branch, And falling down in showers. The air is in a mist, I think, And scarce knows which to be -- Whether all fragrance, clinging close; Or bird-song, wild and free. And countless wedding-jewels shine, And golden gifts of grace; I never saw such wealth of sun In any shady place. It seemed I heard the fluttering robes Of maidens clad in white, The clasping of a thousand hands In tenderest delight; While whispers ran among the boughs Of promises and praise; And playful, loving messages Sped through the leaf-lit ways. Then were there swayings to and fro; The weeds a-tiptoe rose; And sang the breeze a sudden song That sank to sudden close; And just beyond the wreathed aisles That end against the blue, The raiment of the wedding-choir And priest came shining through. And though I saw no wedding-guest, Nor groom, nor gentle bride, I know that holy things were asked, And holy love replied. Soon will the lengthening shadows move Unwillingly away, Like friends who linger with adieux Yet are not bid to stay. I follow where the blue-bird leads, And hear its soft "good-night," Still thinking of the wedding-scene And aisles of flowery light. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN THE TRENCHES by ISAAC ROSENBERG LACHIN Y GAIR by GEORGE GORDON BYRON WHEN HE WOULD HAVE HIS VERSES READ by ROBERT HERRICK ON THE NEW FORCES OF CONSCIENCE UNDER THE LONG PARLIAMENT by JOHN MILTON SONG by WALTHER VON DER VOGELWEIDE |