We began life together
A voyage for life
With so many dreams and promises
Wrapped up in the fairy tale
Far from reality
A billowing dress
Ruffled of organza and satin
A beautiful face
Veiled by tulle -
This was my day, it had finally arrived
I was so happy
Caught up in the beauty
A beautiful bride....

He was smiling at me
Vowing to love and to cherish,
To honour and protect me,
With this ring
This never-ending band of gold
A token of love, our marriage;
We gave our lives
Our all to each other -
Or did we?
What lay hidden?
What wasn't bared?
There should be no secrets
We're man and wife
I trust you, I love you,
I married you....

Wait!  Please don't hurt me
Please listen -
I know I made my mistakes
I'm not perfect
But you had my love
And I gave you my best
Wasn't that enough?
Where's the respect?
And the honour
And the protection....?
You are supposed to
I never knew that I'd need
Protection from you....
The physical scars heal
But the emotional stay on
But for how long?
Love must be tough -
Is this what they meant?

What happened?
Lies, hurt, betrayal....
I thought there were no secrets
I thought I knew you,
Trusted you, loved you,
And that you loved me....
And while you smiled at me
And declared your love
Exchanging rings
We gave our lives
Hand in hand we began
Declared as one
My face was unveiled
The happiness and radiance shone -
Kiss the bride, but mask your face,
She mustn't see....

"The end of a violent marriage, a husband who hid his dark side"
©  Christina ~ 1996