Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BRIDAL VEIL, by ALICE CARY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BRIDAL VEIL, by                 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.





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