THE RING

The ring flips and spins

glistening like a lightning bolt

as it tumbles to the floor

the wedding band touches down silently

on a colorful handmade Indian rug

blending with gold woven threads

it lays in luxury with hope that

nay a soul shall roughshod over it

 

This ring has a lengthy melancholic narrative

of an arranged marriage gone awry

ten years and two children

all down hearten

while the household persists with

clamminess, darkness, and afflictions

which are bequeathed from parent to child

dim lights, dull food, drab belongings

wife labors a smile

 

One eve alone

she gazes at her ring

sullen face

In hindsight for hours

She chooses to yank it off

And there it lays

On a handmade woven rug with threads of gold

Notions of hope in her eyes

 

 

 

Reviews

[mou]

You've chosen a serious subject here. The way the gold ring was gleaming at the beginning, it made me prepare for a dreamy, delicate poem but then, the reality hit. Arranged marriage is a setup where everything is arranged and managed except feelings. I too heard some real incidents from surroundings and they gave nightmares. You've painted the reality with delicacy. It has a very powerful, sharp, yet emphathetic tone throughout. It is Beautiful!
- mou

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Mou, I really appreciate your comments!
Warmly, B

[Amy R]

What a moving poem.
Definitely loved how u expressed everything, I felt alot of pain lingering in these line to..
-Amy

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a lovely review Amy
Warmly, B

[Amy R]

You're very welcome.

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

All I can say that the ring is a golden cage. Love escape and heart drenched with pain.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much for your review!
Warmly, B

[Fran Marie]

Albeit sad this is very well written
I see her ring becoming her locked- in
prison.an.arranged marriage stifling
her freedom to chose love on her own
nicely conveyed...

[Betty Hermelee]

Than you Fran for a thoughtful review
Warmly, B

[Arundass TP]

What's in a ring. I don't wear wedding ring. We talk to heart. If, is it too powerful a ring can bont hearts. Good poem

[Betty Hermelee]

Exactly...it ties you to another person...love doesn't need a ring but love should not be arranged!
Warmly, B

[FlaLover]

Wow! Powerful and beautiful!
Love it!

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you so much, appreciated!
Warmly, B

[Tom]

" dim lights, dull food, drab belongings wife labors a smile " the ring, it is a symbol of hope and fertility, but take not for granted its fecundity, commitment and devotion are no guarantee of long lasting love and prosperity, 'tis like a double edged coin, tread wisely before allegiance...

Inspiring

[Betty Hermelee]

A very thoughtful review Tom; you're spot on!!!
Warmly, B

[Thomas W Case]

Powerful and poignant work. Great job.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you Thomas, much appreciated
Warmly, B

[Chris Shaw]

Oh Betty, the very thought of an arranged marriage sends shivers down my spine and makes me feel imprisoned. Not being able to choose who you want to spend the rest of your life with and the father of your future children is so alien to western values. Having said that plenty of marriages fail in the west but at least we can say it was our own mistake and accept our part in it. When the rest of the family has chosen for you, it must lead to much unhappiness all round if the union flounders. Your poem dear poet makes the reader pause and put themselves in that situation. Poetry which reflects life for some. Wonderfully done.

Chris

[Betty Hermelee]

What a fabulous review dear Chris, I love it!
Have a sweet Wednesday!
Warmly, B

[Akinlolu]

Arranged marriages come with plenty of baggages. All marriages do but at least you should have be at liberty to choose your own baggage. People arrange marriages for different reasons. For some, it's customary. For some others, it's convenient for certain third parties. And for some others, it's purely a business arrangement. A very few manage to attain happiness. Most become living hells. When such arrangements go up in flames, one or both of the parties night be trapped in the furnace without a hope of escape. This poem addresses the issue with tact and dexterity.
Akinlolu

[Betty Hermelee]

Thank you for a thoughtful review Akin..
Warmly, B