Poems (Odom)/Not One to Spare
A BROKEN HOPE.
A maiden's downcast blushing face Beneath the floating bridal veil;A strong hand warmly clasping hers Before the low white altar rail.The cloud-like incense rising up From silver censers as they swing;A priest with pure, uplifted hands; A solemn prayer—a wedding ring.
A woman strong and sweet and true, A man in manhood's fullest prime,An union mystical and sweet, A tie so new and so sublime.The dainty little garments made In secret with such loving care;A fresh hope springing in the heart, A fountain of unceasing prayer.
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A sudden dashing of the light, A cloud of deepest, darkest gloom;The rustle of an angel's wing, A casket crowned with snowy bloom.A little lamp unlighted on The altar of a pulseless breast;A broken hope, twin souls in heaven, A man's despair, a woman's rest.