For a Lady I Know

Countee Cullen

She even thinks that up in heaven
    Her class lies late and snores,
While poor black cherubs rise at seven
    To do celestial chores.

     This poem consists of one stanza made up of four lines.  I interpreted it as an older lady, who was most likely a teacher, that believes that even in Heaven there will be servents.  I found it foolish of her to think so because in Heaven everybody is equal, therefore eliminating slavery.  Cullen grew up in the early 1900's, so perhaps this is somewhat of her opinion being reflected in the poem.

Oh No

Robert Creeley

If you wander far enough
you will come to it
and when you get there
they will give you a place to sit

for yourself only, in a nice chair,
and all your friends will be there
with smiles on their faces
and they will likewise all have places.

    When I read this poem, I immediately thought of Heaven.  The first stanza talks about if you stray far enough, you will eventually get to Heaven, or wherever it may be.  Once you get there you will be able to rest.  The second stanza goes on to talk about how all your friends will be there too and how everybody is happy and is smiling.  This poem seems very happy, which is why I suspect I might of missed something in it? Plus the title doesn't really fit with the rest of the poem The rhyme scheme is ABCB in the 1st stanza and DDEE in the 2nd.