Winter Bridal
This slim, hoar-frosted Beech, in lacy traceries so bright
Now proudly stands a stiff-silked Bride upon her Wedding Day.
Behind her pose the darkly-congregated Pines, arranged
Like morning-suited Witnesses. In wayward ranks around
Her satined feet lounge spikey Gorse and Brambles – finely dressed
In green and white – her dust-pranked Pages and demure-faced Maids.
Above all these there glows the proud Groom’s iridescent smile,
Charming his Bride’s rich-sparkling jewels into heightened lights
And coruscating, shimmering, delightful brilliances,
Throughout the tediously long-drawn-out formalities.
Lover of beauty is her handsome groom, the Sun; and soon
His ardour will strip off that gauzy gown from trembling limbs,
(To consummate his passion, which in him is hotly tensed),
When these elaborate, slow rituals have been dispensed!.
