Southern Belle Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

This is a wonderfully painted poem Lawrence the serenity of the narrative belies the final line. I think that the creation of the Southern Belle as a passifying force is a great way to use the metaphor. When we think of Southern Belle we could think of the Civil War, the Scarlett of Gone With The Wind, whose own emotional turmoil is reflected in the raging battles. Here though the Belle has a decidedly passive role, the role of a peacemaker. This is a feminine trait that feminist, in some quarters, counterpose to the agressive male (your narrator does not come over as aggresive, but there is a masculinity to the protagonist and a hint that the want to escape a war or aggression) . It is not a trait of women that I find endearing myself (both philisophically and personally) . However that should not detract from the fact that you capture this essence very well in this poem. The language is not romanticised, so that the picture is clear.

Southern hospitality can soothe a soul. Splendid piece L!