Silent Partner
Devious guest
We did not see as we spoke our vows

The great high Priest
Of the Church of State
Who married us unknown

As our minister
Blessed our union
With no authority but God

Then as an official
Afterthought
Bowed and signed the certificate

Accursed tract
Which did not dare
To make its presence known

When we with joy
With hand in hand
Pledged to live our lives conjoined

Had we but known
That Legality lurked
At every turn of our married life

We would have cast
That demon out
With no occasion for divorce

Copyright © 2011 by C. P. Klapper
Written on June 26, 2011