07/24/2026
The Bridal Veil , written in 1866
By Alice Cary
We’re married, they say, and you think you have won me,—
Well, take this white veil from my head, and look on me;
I’m yours in your marriage, but am I not still
A girl with a heart and a soul and a will?
Oh, fear what is carven, and fear what is dead, but fear not the woman who dutes on your head!
The face that you look on today is as pale as the garment of mist that you call a white veil; But under the veil are the wings of a dove, That fly, if you hold them too tightly, my love!And under the mist is a heart that will break,
If you look for a slave in the woman you take.
You think you have won me,—
but list to the song:
The world it is wide, and the day it is long;
And if you would have me tomorrow as now, You must grow to the stature of what you avow;
For the love that is only a passion or whim,
Will fade like a mist when the morning is dim.
Make a wise choice, prepare for your wedding at Atria Hall and bring a photographer! 🩵