No earthly church has ever blessed our union
No state has ever granted us permission
No family bond has ever made us two
No debt was paid
No dowry to be gained
No treaty over border, land or power
No semblance of the world outside remained
To stain the beauty of this nuptial hour
The secret marriage vow is never spoken
The secret marriage never can be broken
No flowers on the alter
No white veil in her hair
No maiden dress to alter
No bible oath to swear
The secret marriage vow is never spoken
The secret marriage never can be broken
Dedicated
to John G.
March
1999
