The Hawthorn Bridal Dress

THE HAWTHORN BRIDAL DRESS Gone the winter of empty arms , Her fresh face is radiant with charms. In the church garden fair, One glorious May day near the ides - Blossom on gown, hair, Bosom and bouquet - the bride’s Glowing in the warm embrace Of her golden groom. She flowers With bloom on her cheeks and face; Then, in light petalled showers, Blossom -confetti litters and turns To white the path through her roots unseen. Then the hawthorn tree returns Again to her everyday working green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NOTE The hawthorn tree in bloom in May is a beautiful sight, but lasts only a short time, like a wedding celebration. Hawthorn trees are known as May trees, and they appear in the proverb “Cast ne’er a clout till May is out.” Many people think this means you must keep wearing winter clothers till the end of the month of May, but it really means until the May tree’s blossom-flowers are out. (Here endeth the lesson.)