As a result of Reagan's death we've all endured a week-long romanticization of his life by the media and the American public, myself included. It's certainly respectful, heart-warmingly patriotic, and perhaps even warranted. Nonetheless, it can burn a brother out.

I think that's why I found news of the discovery of a poem penned by Abraham Lincoln heartening. It's called "The Suicide's Soliloquy," and it was written in the time following the break of his engagement to Mary Todd. Some will say it shows the human side of a man deified in America. I say it's a reminder that even our most revered political figures engaged in the historical equivalent of scribbling Nine Inch Nails lyrics on the cover of a three ring binder.

And so, with no further ado, I give you...

The Suicide's Soliloquy
By A. Lincoln, on this day Twenty and One May, Eighteen and Thirty-Eight.

Like a velveteen mantle
cloaking dewey eyes,
my shiv'ring does dismantle
my high-pitch'ed, wailing cries.

Like Mary, Mum of Jesus
my Mary, too, left me
to Roman Jewish teases
my soul yearns to be free.

I tow'r, creak and swaying
above the Earth below
like Jesus, I am praying
my demise doesn't slow.

I hurt myself today
to see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
the only thing that's real

Oh, Mary, how I miss you
I miss your lack of meanness
Oh, Mary, I wish I loved you
If only you had a penis.

Analogcabin @ 11:16 AM
Permalink |