Perhaps she tried Johnny
but she couldn’t love you.
Did you struggle when
your lungs began to burn
until oblivion came?
Maybe you called for help
but the Thames is such
a lonely place at three a.m.
You drifted on the water, grey
bloated and alone with murky
water in your glazed eyes.
No one can do dying Johnny
better than a man betrayed in love.
You are in a fridge cold and grey
now, with a number on your toe
and a scar along your chest.
It’s nearly four a.m.
The Half-Moon is about to
close and all your friends
are here to mourn you.
Speak to us Johnny, was
Veronica worth the price?
A few words about the poem…
Veronica - Exploring Despair and Betrayal in the “Poems of Despair”
“Veronica” paints a vivid picture of a tragic love story with strong undertones of despair and betrayal. Set against the backdrop of London’s dark and enigmatic Thames River, this narrative poem portrays the final moments of a protagonist named Johnny. Throughout the work, the imagery and structure reflect the quintessential elements found in poems of despair, presenting a raw and poignant depiction of love gone awry.
The poem opens with a direct address, implying a possible attempt by Veronica to love Johnny. The stark reality of her inability to reciprocate his affection is evident, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. This unrequited love, a common theme in poems of despair, leads to Johnny’s fatal decision. The imagery of burning lungs and oblivion hints at his final struggle, creating a haunting picture of his last moments.
As the poem progresses, the reader is presented with the desolate scene of Johnny’s body in the Thames. Described as “grey, bloated, and alone,” Johnny’s lifeless form symbolizes the ultimate consequence of despair. The reference to his glazed eyes filled with murky water not only evokes a chilling visual but also underscores the emotional and physical toll of betrayal. Here, the poem expertly captures the essence of despair, where hope is lost and death becomes the only refuge.
The poem’s setting at three a.m. enhances the theme of isolation and loneliness. The stillness of the night, juxtaposed with the bustling life of the Half-Moon club about to close, reflects the contrasting realities of life and death. The mourners, Johnny’s friends, are portrayed as gathering at the club, highlighting the communal aspect of grief and the human tendency to seek solace in shared experiences. This gathering serves as a stark reminder of Johnny’s absence, intensifying the sense of despair.
A notable aspect of the poem is the juxtaposition of life and death. Johnny’s lifeless body at the mortuary, now a cold, grey presence with a number on his toe and a scar on his chest, contrasts sharply with the lively club atmosphere where his friends mourn. This stark imagery serves as a powerful metaphor for the inevitable end that awaits everyone, regardless of the vibrancy of their lives. The poem suggests that despair and betrayal can lead to a tragic and premature end.
The closing lines pose a direct question to Johnny, asking if Veronica was worth the price. This rhetorical question leaves the reader contemplating the cost of unrequited love and the impact of betrayal. It underscores the central theme of the poem, where the consequences of despair and betrayal are explored through the lens of a tragic love story.
In summary, “Veronica” through vivid imagery and poignant themes, explores the depths of human emotion, highlighting the devastating impact of unrequited love and betrayal. The poem serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring pain of despair.
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