Ode to a Virgin Bride

Ode to a Virgin Bride

Though innocence and truth shine in your eyes,
And summer sun shows only youth’s fresh face.
Upon your sweet red lips temptation lies,
To bring me from my torment into grace.
To ask forgiveness and to be redeemed,
For what has been, not what I wish to be,
To be worthy of your love, of your esteem,
You become everything in life to me.
And now she comes to me, my virgin bride,
Her wedding gown as white as driven snow,
A sign of purity with naught to hide.
She takes my hand in hers and gives her soul;
And now behind her veil there waits a kiss,
To promise passion in our wedded bliss.