Puerto Rican Obituary

“Puerto Rican Obituary” references the religion of Christianity in several places, setting a motif into place that illuminates the speaker’s cynical attitude towards Christian values. No matter the placement of the reference to Christianity, the speaker views the practice of this religion negatively. He refers to the afterlife as a “groovy hereafter / the protestant collection box / was talking so loud and proud about” (Lines 257-259), emphasizing the expectation that Christians give money to the church in exchange for few practical benefits. The irreverent mention of “the groovy hereafter” (Line 257) carries a mocking tone, implying that heaven and the afterlife are make-believe; instead, it is the capitalistic need of the very real “collection box” (Line 258) that is meaningful to the five, not unlike the indulgences paid by early Catholics in order to earn their way into heaven.

Stanza 17 is even harsher in its take on Christianity, referring to using “the white supremacy bibles / for toilet paper purpose” (Lines 279-280). Pietri connects Christianity, as symbolized by the bible, to the racist views that keep people of color, such as the five Puerto Ricans in this poem, from getting ahead in life.