You weep. He may soon as well,
if you deliver that ultimatum,
weeping as you walk away.
Did you dream your wedding once?
Yards of ivory lace and roses
overflowing. Delicate gold
rings and unreasoning joy.
No partner in that young image. Weddings
aren’t for love — they know nothing of
stifled worries and silent patience,
cool hands on your fevered cheek
and a presence beside you
when you’re trudging through the muck.
To wed or not to wed?
The question that has torn apart
more lovers than any other in this,
our age of individuals.
Will you, too, sacrifice love
on the altar of an ivory dream?
Is it a wedding you desire still…
or a marriage?
*****
M.A. Mohanraj
October 22, 1996