The Dedicate

My lass was standing waiting
In loveliness and joy;
Within my heart creating
Delights that never cloy.

Her arm was filled with flowers—
Rich, passionate of hue;
I could have gazed long hours,
And oh! she loved me too.

Her dress was perfect whiteness
God's light was on her head
And radiant in that brightness
"I'm wholly thine!" she said.

And then she smiled sweetly,
And offered me her hand;
Inviting me discreetly
By her to take my stand.

I looked—and wept for sadness.
Could there my heart be given?
From all of earth's great gladness
My life was pledged to heaven.