I have a different idea concerning this poem. I think it is about divorce. Luckily, I have a copy of Like, because the Apple transcription does not include the poem itself.
First, of course, marriage is two in one, like scissors. And I think the use of the word "cleaving" in the third verse is a wedding vows giveaway. Interestingly, "cleaving" is one of those words which is its own antonym, and this verse is where the behavior leading to divorce commences, then becomes explicit in the fourth verse.
Verse 5:
"What starts in sighs, concludes in "or"s;
His or hers, mine or yours."
The marriage begins in sighs, and concludes in divides. (Just for fun, substitute "ours" for "or"s.)
Verse 6:
"The crisp sheet where they met and married,
The paper where the blades are buried."
The "crisp sheet" is the newly made marriage bed, but also the marriage certificate. And that certificate is "where the blades are buried" by the divorce.
So while I enjoyed and learned from (but I repeat myself) your interpretation (as usual), on this one you might find another! Of course, a poem often means more than one thing, but this interpretation struck me, since I've been divorced.
I have a different idea concerning this poem. I think it is about divorce. Luckily, I have a copy of Like, because the Apple transcription does not include the poem itself.
First, of course, marriage is two in one, like scissors. And I think the use of the word "cleaving" in the third verse is a wedding vows giveaway. Interestingly, "cleaving" is one of those words which is its own antonym, and this verse is where the behavior leading to divorce commences, then becomes explicit in the fourth verse.
Verse 5:
"What starts in sighs, concludes in "or"s;
His or hers, mine or yours."
The marriage begins in sighs, and concludes in divides. (Just for fun, substitute "ours" for "or"s.)
Verse 6:
"The crisp sheet where they met and married,
The paper where the blades are buried."
The "crisp sheet" is the newly made marriage bed, but also the marriage certificate. And that certificate is "where the blades are buried" by the divorce.
So while I enjoyed and learned from (but I repeat myself) your interpretation (as usual), on this one you might find another! Of course, a poem often means more than one thing, but this interpretation struck me, since I've been divorced.
Great commentary. I enjoyed this poem.