UNSHED TEARS

Written as a contest entry -

UNSHED TEARS

The bride wore ivory,
A gown both simple and fine,
Carried roses in her hands;
Her wedding - it was not mine.

A wedding should be a happy time
With good wishes for each tomorrow;
Yet as I hear them say "I do"
My heart is filled with sorrow.

I turn away from what might have been,
Look ahead to lonely, lonely years.
My words wish them happiness,
My heart cries with unshed tears.

A happy bride she was,
No sorrow mars her day;
They were pronounced "man and wife"
And I slowly walked away.

There is a time for happiness,
And there is a time for sorrow.
Once I thought I'd be the bride
Looking ahead to our tomorrow.