The tragedy of marriage

(A poem for Relebogile Kgalane)

What great a tragedy it is for a man to get married

If he marries not his bosom friend

Below the rubble of loss of self for decades buried

His beginning, nothing but a sorrowful end

But what an awesome joy it should be

For one so affectionately blind to begin to see

That a vow made to friendship

Is an intravenous tonic that travels skin deep

Better than a spouse with whom you only share the cottage of sleep

For a friend will tow you when life elects itself a harrowing steep

Therefore, my homey, be a good lover

But forget not to be a friend, or rather

Forget not to be one who sticks closer than a brother

For friendship is a new breast post our weaning from dear Mother

What a tragedy it is for a man to marry a wife

If he marries not the one who makes him laugh all day,

Cry some nights, but celebrate all his life

Than the one who loves you less than she does your payday

"Here comes the bride, here comes the bride"

The melodies of Eros serenade us as we beam with pride

And glory be to Eloah, when behind the veil it is your friend that hides

What a blessed day, when a man deepens his amorous strides

-Ends-