I Object

White or Black?

i clutch the holy book to my breast,

an everlasting funeral marching

around my heart as a ghost

in white floats down the aisle.

 

i watch as my love lays

his happiness in the casket,

and i see the mourning in his eyes,

knowing he has bound himself to the devil.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

Hard to interpret this one. Is the funereal imagery literal or symbolic? The speaker is obviously distraught at the sight of a loved one binding himself to "the devil." I have the feeling, based on the words of the title, that the ceremony described is not a funeral, but a wedding, and the groom knows he is making a mistake. At least that is what the speaker thinks, but the sense is she is not unbiased. I have the feeling no one involved is going to be happy with this match.

[Jadon von Myers]

My first few observations of this piece of literature led me to believe that it was a wedding described as a funeral, as I am sure the writer intended, but I then came to the realization that this poem was highlighted a part of life that was wholly separate. This poem is documenting the view of a mother who is watching the life of her son from far away. She is unable to interfere, but instead must watch as he strays from her teachings an descends into his own wickedness. Clearly, this story shall not have the happy ending most are accustomed to.