Joanna Garrido

As white as the winter

As white as the winter and cold as her smile 

She walked through the churchyard, her

wedding train blowing

Her Uncle beside her, his jaw firm and set

Her bridal veil hiding the tears that were flowing

There was no going back, she could tell by his stance

If only he’d listen, in his hands her fate

As white as the winter and cold as the ice

At the top of the church aisle, the bridegroom did wait.

She walked down the aisle on this bleak wedding day

Clutching white roses until her hands bled

Cursing the Uncle who’ll give her away

To the man stood before her with eyes cold and dead

Who held out his hand to her, lifted her veil

As white as the winter, the snow and the hail.

She walked to the altar, the groom at her side

Her heart was another’s, she couldn’t be wed

But vows were then spoken and ring on her finger

His lips pressed against her ‘you’re mine now’ he said

And the world spun around her; she wanted to die

How could she lay with him this dark starless night

As white as the winter, a lamb to the slaughter

Her true love forsaken, no hope within sight

And he led her away through the church to his carriage

Then he drove her to places she’d never dare tred

And she lived with a cold smile, her heart ever frozen

As white as the winter in his wedding bed.

 

22.10.18 JG