The Night we missed the Wedding. From the Frog Bride story.

THE NIGHT WE MISSED THE WEDDING by Robert Bly.

When I recite a line I allow the voice to drop off,

I speak strongly as I climb the line, and then, leave the last word

to trail down, so that, no one can hear it.

Doubt enters then, just when there should be something fierce,

when the throat should come in, some of what it knows what it feels,

what it wants,

Why shouldn’t the voice ……. spread it’s peacock tail

In which the eyes …… of the universe ….. are open

This hiding is the shamed boy who hides in his room at night

And does not ….. get up….. and go ….. to the wedding.

How hard it is to believe your bride is beautiful

How hard it is to love your bride for this night and for always

She baked bread for you, and the wedding shirt,

Then …. speak ….. to     HER