The Summer Bride

Behold the charming summer bride

With bridesmaids trooping at her side.

She comes with mincing steps and slow

That mark the path fair women go.

Her dress of ivory mousseline

Reflects a soft and silken sheen;

The misty tulle that bands the hair

Comports with dainty mousquetaire.

Soft train of lace caught up with pearls

Drifts back in undulating furls;

The crowning touch, a blossomed spray,

Now sets her off in sweet array.

Who knows but in the after years

She'll seek them through a rift of tears;

Soft as the cooing of a dove --

Dear fragile memories of love,

When all the dreams of childhood, youth,

Will bring her back the hallowed truth

That life's bright freedom and romance

Are subject to the whims of chance.

Ah, beauty which she held sublime

Can wither at the touch of time;

Blue eyes can dim and lips can pale

And laughter that was high regale

Can be the gentle sigh of age

That drops a tear upon the page

Where rose of June was lightly pressed

That evening when his arm caressed

Her fondly to his manly side

And won the troth of blushing bride.

But one thing time will not erase

From any June bride's blushing face --

And that is love -- the love of two

Strong hearts that fought and weathered through

The sunshine and the storm of years

That mingled happiness and tears.

So put them by with gentle grace,

Those fragile things of tulle and lace;

And say a prayer to Him above

To sanctify and keep your love!

(First published in Along the Lane: Dedicated to the memory of Thomas William Larsen, who lost his life in World War II)