Irenic Road

Here Comes the Bride…

I’m a big fan of Gerard Manley Hopkins. I think he’s a genius, and I share many of his interests. Yet as I was reading my collection of his poems today, I came across a line that made me giggle. While his poems elicit many reactions from me, giggles aren’t a response I expect. The poem was “At the Wedding March” and is a brief ode to marriage. The last of three stanzas reads

Then let the March tread our ears:
I to him turn with tears
Who to wedlock, his wonder wedlock,
Deals triumph and immortal years.

I imagine the organ, all stops out, blaring out the march, propelling the couple down the aisle, trampling the poor ears of the helpless attendees. I count myself blessed that I’ve never turned to the Lord with tears due that particular torment. Also, Hopkins was clearly unfamiliar with the kiddie parody words “Here comes the bride, all fat and wide” which invariably spring to mind whenever I hear the classic march. Oh Hopkins, you’re mortal too, and thanks for the unexpected mirth. Every time I read your poems I take away something new. That’s a compliment. Really.