Poem Analysis - Alimony

A Bluesy Lament on Broken Promises

Shel Silverstein's "Alimony" is a humorous yet poignant lament of a man burdened by the financial consequences of a failed marriage. The poem adopts a bluesy, almost comical tone as it details the speaker's struggles to make alimony payments. While initially presented with a lighthearted self-pity, the poem transitions into a desperate plea, revealing a deeper layer of regret and a last-ditch attempt at reconciliation. The shift from complaint to desperation underscores the poem's exploration of responsibility, regret, and the crushing weight of financial obligation after divorce.

The Bitter Pill of Financial Obligation

One of the central themes in "Alimony" is the burden of financial responsibility, particularly when perceived as unfair. The speaker repeatedly emphasizes his impoverished state, stating he works "till my fingers are bloody and boney" and can't even "afford to weigh myself or buy a stick of gum." This exaggerated language, while humorous, highlights the speaker's feeling that alimony has stripped him of his basic necessities and dignity. The recurring phrase "payin' for my mistake" reinforces this sense of resentment and the feeling of being trapped by a past decision. The repetition and the use of "alimony alimony" as a refrain hammers home the financial pressure.

Steak and Baloney: A Metaphor for Deception

The poem uses the recurring image of "steak and baloney" as a central metaphor. The speaker laments that he "thought I bought steak and it was all baloney." This can be interpreted as representing the speaker's perception of his marriage. Initially, he believed he was entering into something valuable and fulfilling (steak), but it turned out to be cheap and unsatisfying (baloney). This extends beyond the marriage itself, implying that the promises and expectations associated with marriage were ultimately deceptive. The baloney also represents the current financial situation, reflecting how he initially perceived his situation in the divorce and how it turned out to be a cheap imitation of justice.

From Resentment to Desperate Plea

A subtle but significant shift occurs towards the end of the poem. Initially, the speaker is focused on complaining about the alimony payments, but the final stanza introduces a desperate attempt to reconcile. He pleads, "maybe we could sorta pitch in and work it out y'know," even suggesting he could "get a third job" or "sellin' my blood." This sudden shift reveals a vulnerability beneath the earlier bravado and suggests that the speaker is not just burdened by the financial cost but also by the loss of the relationship itself. This begs the question: is the "mistake" he refers to the marriage, the divorce, or both?

A Final Note: The Lingering Blues of Regret

"Alimony" is more than just a humorous complaint about financial hardship; it's a bluesy exploration of regret, responsibility, and the lingering consequences of a broken relationship. Through its vivid imagery, repetitive refrains, and the speaker's gradual descent into desperation, the poem captures the emotional toll of divorce and the enduring weight of past decisions. The poem's significance lies in its ability to blend humor with a poignant sense of loss, reminding us that even in the face of financial hardship, the underlying wounds of a failed relationship can be the most difficult to bear. The final lines shift the blame to her and ask if there is a way to resolve this situation. The suggestion of selling blood to pay alimony is a unique form of hyperbole that emphasizes the desperation of the speaker.