Emily – Based on ‘A Rose for Emily’ by William Faulkner

The assignment was to write a poem about the short story ‘A Rose for Emily’ by William Faulkner.  If you haven’t read it, I think my poem might give you a clue as to what happens.  If you have read it, let me know what you think of the poem!

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My mind was in a sorry state
because I knew it would be too late
to find a husband after all this time
I wanted someone who would be all mine!
My father is dead and out of the way
but somehow his memory seemed to stay
invading the halls and walls and stairs
stared at by eyes in pairs and pairs.
They’ve surrounded my house with buckets of lye
I hate them all, I want to die.
They talk about me behind closed doors
I don’t want to deal with them anymore.
But he has come, the man of my dreams
I wonder, can I trust him? Is he what he seems?
I need someone who’s loyal, forever true
if he ever leaves I won’t know what to do.
Now the problem is solved, there is no reason to worry.
He’s here to stay, he’s no more in a hurry.
Fear of loneliness is not a bother
He will not leave me like my father.
My love for both is in me still
that love made him yield to my will.
They’ll never know how long it’s been.
It is my own personal, private sin.
After I die, then they’ll know
and fear of me into horror will grow.
It’s my surprise for no one knew
just how far my love went for you.

(Written 1992)