avoid the dirt or else be stained

avoid the dirt or else be stained
weighed down by ugliness
and from the marriage hall restrained

before the bridegroom don't be shamed
dress up in holiness
avoid the dirt or else be stained

and from the outer gates be pained
to watch afar the bride in dress
and from the marriage hall restrained

true holiness cannot be feigned
and falsity will not impress
avoid the dirt or else be stained

the night outside will thus remain
a cold and bitter emptiness
and from the marriage hall restrained

you will have lost what you'd have gained
if you had clasped to cleanliness
avoid the dirt or else be stained
and from the marriage hall restrained

(C)2009, Christos Rigakos