"Examination at the Womb-Door," Ted Hughes

[switchercat.livejournal.com]

A Ted Hughes book I ordered arrived today. I forgot how bizarre the Crow stuff is. I know it inspires mixed feelings, but I like it.

*

Who owns these scrawny little feet?   Death.
Who owns this bristly scorched-looking face?   Death.
Who owns these still-working lungs?   Death.
Who owns this utility coat of muscles?   Death.
Who owns these unspeakable guts?   Death.
Who owns these questionable brains?   Death.
All this messy blood?   Death.
These minimum-efficiency eyes?   Death.
This wicked little tongue?   Death.
This occasional wakefulness?   Death.

Given, stolen, or held pending trial?
Held.

Who owns the whole rainy, stony earth?   Death.
Who owns all of space?   Death.

Who is stronger than hope?   Death.
Who is stronger than the will?   Death.
Stronger than love?   Death.
Stronger than life?   Death.

But who is stronger than death?
    Me, evidently.

Pass, Crow.

Comments

[mandity.livejournal.com]

Hi. This is very evocative, thank you!

[mspixieears.livejournal.com]

Ted Hughes is one of my favourite poets - his poetry from the 70s is generally pretty evocative but what I like about it is that evocative, visceral poetry doesn't have to be evocative in a positive way. I actually love how creepy some of it is! :D