Granny's Veil

It was tradition Mother said "for women
to pass on the veil" Once white with new
now creamed with age or sallow with distress
"the dress is personal to the bride
but the veil... well..." she said.
she couldn't explain why I had to wear it
but I did... perhaps because it was hers
(the covering) as if by excepting
it I accepted I understood and respected
the sacrifice she'd made by wearing it-
I only wore it once, but she
she wore it every day, everyday
she hid her face behind the shade
of tradition, her mothers face passed down-
I wore it too, the veil, and was likewise
encumbered, for her and for my daughter
I hope there will be no need for it to hinder her!