Country Wedding
Country Wedding
The ring of trees afire in autumnal bloods and golds
Wedded to the ancient stone root of bell tower
Narthex, nave and rib-vaulted womb
That cradles, enjoins, celebrates and gathers all
Bones into its lichen soil skirts
The harvest of generations here present
The ribboned carriage clops up on the peal of bells and tin cans
Bridesmaid’s squealing in joyous goose-bump shiver
Step out on lace strapped heels and glittered hope
And one day peached bloom and Aphrodite curls
On the fringes of a mayfly fashion.
Tractor boys in shone sharp shoes drag huddle on fisted roll ups
Flush necked in for best collars and apple tight waistcoats
Witter of dipping and farrowing and weighing in measured trade
The lean and fat and firm turned shanks
Of the local market heifers
Mothers in mushroom hats of twirl and veil
Wince each step in glass slippers too new to dance
Their wallflower waltz in the bride’s effervescent light
And remember barefoot meadow days of sprite and chance
Before the ring-pulled lock of aprons, hoovers and winter vests
Corralled fathers in make-do suits of unvarious greys
Rumble the grumbles behind scented pink lapel sprays
And faux silk cravats of the ladies impish choice
Stealing distant gazes on the fawns bloomed to doe and furtive
Palm glances for the going at Ripon, the score from the Lane
The happy couple rited and blessed
Vowing love eternal as root to the stones
Please no confetti to be cast in church grounds
Collection plate at the door, step out country wedded
Under the awkward arches of stone, kith and bone
To wade out into the waves of love’s autumn leaves
