Dearly Beloved

Beaten, rough edged ingot;
Golden handcuff, yellow snare,
Hammered, polished, altar’ed
Carat circle, bright to wear.

Antidote to singledom,
Eternal tawny band.
Shield from infidelity shines
From finger four, left hand.

Glowing, hallmarked woman,
Displays hand on satin lap – 
Spinster friends admiring
Precious Chinese finger trap.

Tarnished trace of decades
Which a broken band contains - 
Leaves a ghosts impression
That when removed, remains.