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May Queen

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

Last few words: 
When a May Queen sees too much in the woods...
Editing stage: 

Comments

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.

cheers,
Jess
A new workshop on the most important element of poetry-
'Rhythm and Meter in Poetry'
https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/rhythm-and-meter-poetry

Glad you could see the 'dark' side too. I like twists...

Ells

author comment

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...

Roscoe Llane,

Religion will rip your faith off, and return
for the mask of disbelief that's left.

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 :)

author comment

Lucky she did not end up dead! Nice write

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