The woman is perfected.Her deadBody wears the smile of accomplishment,The illusion of a Greek necessityFlows in the scrolls of her toga,Her bareFeet seem to be saying:We have come so far, it is over.Each dead child coiled, a white serpent,One at each littlePitcher of milk, now empty.She has foldedThem back into her body as petalsOf a rose close when the gardenStiffens and odors bleedFrom the sweet, deep throats of the night flower.The moon has nothing to be sad about,Staring from her hood of bone
This excerpt reflects on a woman's journey and struggle, ultimately revealing her sense of completion through death. The imagery of her body, adorned with a smile as if she has achieved her goals, embodies a profound sense of finality. The reference to her toga and bare feet symbolizes both accomplishment and the burden of her past, suggesting that she has faced significant challenges, now culminating in a quiet resignation.
The distinct metaphor of dead children compared to coiled serpents evokes a haunting sense of loss, emphasizing the sacrifices she has made. As she encompasses these memories within herself, likened to rose petals closing, there is a sense of embracing pain and beauty simultaneously. The moon, outlined as indifferent, provides a stark contrast to her tribulations, suggesting that nature continues unaffected, illustrating the bittersweet essence of her existence.
