Realization

by Rachel A. Gold

"Will you?" said the minister.
I said, "I will."
My heart beat within me,
Calmly and still.

Bride's feelings, I thought,
Are surely not these;
Such placid assurance
That him I should please!

But when it was over,
I heard, with surprise,
His whisper, "Beloved!"
And tears veiled my eyes.