Summary:
The poem uses the imagery of a rotting wedding band to symbolize the decay and corrosion of a once-sacred union. The speaker describes the band as "black and hollow," reflecting the emptiness and despair that have consumed the relationship.
The poem delves into the pain and resentment that have accumulated over time, leaving the speaker feeling trapped and suffocated. The lines, "I had known / That I would die / On your finger," convey the sense of impending doom and the speaker's resignation to a fate of unhappiness.
The poem also touches upon the idea of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to traditional notions of marriage. The speaker feels burdened by the weight of these expectations, which have contributed to the demise of their relationship.
Ultimately, "Wedding Band Rotten" is a poignant and honest reflection on the complexities of love, marriage, and the disillusionment that can arise when the reality of a relationship falls short of its idealized promises.