The May crown lay torn
imperfect ring
like thorns
on innocent whore heads
Did she think she wouldn't
be found
in thickets of green?
But you knew where
she lay
the girl-woman who
strayed
too close to
your dirty secrets
the bird-watching
hides
morn the spectacle
human horseplay
and carnal cavorting
and so you silenced
her
she'll not gossip
but where will
she sit now
she's making friends
with the worms?
New vacancy for
May Queen
only true innocents
apply
Comments
You really caught me by surprise with the sinister twist
so I Wiki'd it. "According to popular British folklore, the tradition once had a sinister twist, in that the May Queen was put to death once the festivities were over. The veracity of this belief is difficult to establish, but while in truth it might just be an example of anti-pagan propaganda, frequent associations between May Day rituals, the occult and human sacrifice are still to be found in popular culture today."
That's not the gestalt of the poem, clearly. To this very day woman are classified as "Damned Whores and God's Police" which is also the title of a fascinating book by Ann Summers on convict women in Australia.
This is a profoundly disturbing and effective poem with multiple subtexts. Especially the last two lines bring it into a contemporary context.
Sorry, I can't fault it.
Thank you Jess...
Glad you could see the 'dark' side too. I like twists...
Ells
Jess,
Jess said what i was thinking i just didn't know that's what i thought. No seriously this did grab hold right from the start, and the ending is perfect. Love Roscoe...
Thank you Roscoe
Better have any faith...than to face the abyss...faith in humanity is a start, don't you think? Or are we just one step away from savages?
I try to be good, kind faithful...but my darkest fears/weaknesses are always more vivid.
Ells :)
Gosh my daughter was may queen
Lucky she did not end up dead! Nice write