Steven Getz Poet Elegy

Her Wedding Day

Based upon an entry in the mid-19th Century autobiography of Presbyterian Theodore Clapp, who lived for several decades in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Of the many young brides who I’ve married,
None were more exquisite than her.
Her pleasant charm, and smile so merry,
Both made my old heart stir.
Her fiancé loved her deeply
And she cherished him like no other.
Her father gave her away happily,
In front of her joyful mother.
In the afternoon wedding her vows were said,
While a bouquet in hand she carried.
Their reception next was well-attended,
like many young couples that I have married.

A few hours later, she fell deathly ill. 
Then suddenly, she no longer stirred.
Later that night, in her wedding dress still, 
And with bouquet in hand, she was interred.
Deep within her family sepulcher 
Remain four questions unanswered.
Why then? Why her?
What purpose was served?
And how does one assuage the ones who loved her?

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Hilda Greenhough April 12, 2024 at 8:29 AM This poem could lead to a great forensic mystery. I enjoyed this poem and the story it tells. Steven Getz April 12, 2024 at 9:19 AM As I remember, she died of cholera or typhoid in New Orleans during the early 19th Century. Some water-borne illnesses come on quickly and cause convulsions that quickly lead to death. Since her friends and relatives were already there for the wedding, and they had no means of refrigerating her body, they buried her the same day. Most likely, she died a virgin. God does work in mysterious ways.