Poems (Argent)/Bessie's Wedding

by Alice Emily Argent

BESSIE'S WEDDING.

 

(May 9th, 1885.)

BRIGHTLY dawned the sweet May morning
 Brighter sun did never rise,
From a bank of crimson cushions
 Spread far out on azure skies.

Flowers were bursting into blossom,
 Very sweet they smelt in truth,
And the young leaves danced and trembled
 In the magic of their youth.

Dearest! meet it were that beauty,
 Fresh and beautiful and new,
Should the whole world paint in gladness
 And reflect its light on you.

In the old town church so early
 Loved and lover duly came,
And my little lassie left it
 Changed only in her name!

O, the brightness, peace and glory
 That through painted windows high,
Streamed upon them at the altar
 From the golden morning sky.

Long you stood, our heart's best darling,
 Calm and gentle, pure and sweet,
With the lofty aisles above you,
 And the dead beneath your feet.

And I wondered as I saw you,
 If you ever could forget
All the old days left behind you,
 Would the future bring regret?

Would your girlhood from the shadows
 Through your mind's eye pass, and leave
Just a little of remembrance
 Faint and sweet to make you grieve?

But the future poised in gladness
 Stood you fair and bade you bring,
A rich handful of heart posies
 Mirrored in your wedding ring.

Such a bride a man loves singly
 (Or, should love) with nought between,
In his inmost soul an angel,
 In his heart of hearts, as queen!!

O the bells that broke serenely
 Over land and sky and sea,
Filling heaven and earth with rapture
 In their burst of melody!

Not a tear was shed to grieve you,
 Wreathed in smiles and hope each face,
It was not the time for sorrow
 In that holy resting place.

So we parted from our darling
 While the sun shone overhead,
"Joy and peace attend your footsteps,
 Health and happiness," we said.