It’s Friday afternoon, there goes Antigone to be buried alive.
& someone in the chorus asks, what makes a tragedy?
Well, a tragedy is what happens when the soul is too great
for a mortal to handle. A tragedy is a mourning dove
painting the asphalt blood-red. A tragedy is a young girl
with mud under her fingernails, running from one place
to another knowing very well where her bed lies.
Bridal chamber, house in the ground forever,
someone has put weights on your robes while you slept.
& someone in the chorus asks, why must poor Antigone die?
Sister sister daughter sister, you have been doomed
since they began to write you. You carry your dead
on your back like black-jack seeds, pine needles of grief.
There is nothing I can do to save you, I can only hope
to capture your voice correctly. Maybe if I read your
story out loud I can put you in my world. I can
give you a life where you don’t end up under
someone else’s thumb. But then again,
Antigone is Antigone because she’s dead.
Who am I to take that away from you? You were born
with one foot in the grave, thigh to thigh with your
brother. It’s your god-given right to go as you please,
head high & bright-eyed. Follow the voice of the river,
it will take you where you belong.
& someone in the chorus cries, there goes Haemon with a sword in his hands.
For you were loved, yes, you were dreadfully loved &
isn’t that what it’s all about? You loved your brother a
little too much & that means you walk hand in hand with
Death. He has loved you a little too much & that means
he will follow you underground. Madness corrupts your house
like a plague of termites but look at the foundations:
they’re not rotten yet.
Your sister calls out to you from the other side of
the room but you can’t hear her anymore; you
have a hammer in your hands, you’re chipping
away at the narrative, you’re making this story
one worth singing about. They will build you
up for centuries, Antigone, they will make you a star.
I have no musical ear and still can't help hear a distinct melody playing behind the verses. Love it 💜