Poem: "Death and Marriage"
This poem came out of the October 5, 2010 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired and prompted by alycewilson. The italicized quote at the top is a traditional piece of advice.
Death and Marriage
Before marriage, keep both eyes open.
After marriage, shut one.
Vampires in the movies are glamorous creatures:
tall, dark, and handsome
fabulously wealthy with mansions and castles
their sexuality spiked with animal magnetism.
Vampires in the myths are monstrous creatures:
looming over helpless victims with an ugly leer
dwelling in ruins and dressing in rags
their iron grip indifferent to screams or stuggles.
But let me tell you, girls, there's nothing new in that.
Vampires are just like any other men.
They have their good side and their bad side,
and they'll show you whichever it takes to get what they want.
Oh sure, you may be on the meat market, but remember:
you have what they want, and that gives you power.
Use it wisely. Make your choices. Never look back.
For even the creatures of the night fear a woman's laughter.
Before death, keep both eyes open.
After death, shut one.