The Devil in Yellow

Summary

The poem "The Devil in Yellow" humorously recounts the day the washing machine broke in Hell, leading to the Devil wearing yellow clothing.

Abstract

"The Devil in Yellow" is a whimsical narrative poem that describes an incident in 1988 when Hell's washing machine malfunctioned, leaving the Devil's clothes unwashed and emitting a foul odor. The Devil, clad in bright yellow attire gifted by his Second in Command, Old Donald, becomes a subject of ridicule among his minions. The poem satirizes the absurdity of the situation, highlighting the Devil's PR team's struggle to manage the optics of the Devil wearing a color associated with positivity and purity, rather than the darkness typically linked with Hell. The narrative touches on themes of irony, the unexpected, and the comedic value of a devil in bright colors.

Opinions

The poem conveys a humorous tone, poking fun at the Devil's predicament and the irony of him wearing yellow.
The author seems to enjoy the absurdity of the situation, using it to explore the contrast between traditional devilish imagery and the cheerful connotations of the color yellow.
There is a subtle critique of the Devil's PR team, suggesting they are more concerned with image than substance.
The mention of Old Donald, a character reminiscent of Donald Trump, who is "stuffed with Big Macs," implies a satirical view of gluttony and leadership.
The poem implies that even in Hell, appearances matter, as evidenced by the Devil's concern over his clothing and the reaction of the sinners.

A poem about the time the washing machine broke in Hell.

Pardon me

I have a story to tell about that devil fellow way down in Hell

Well truth be told on that day in 1988 some trouble had happened that caused much dismay

The washing machine broke leaving all the clothes to smell which left the Devil in clothing so bright it caused his minions fright

They snickered and gossiped while the Devil’s PR team figured out its optics on how to proceed

You wouldn’t believe how many sinners were in shock and awe at what they saw — so gnarly, so unkempt — a color meant for saints, volunteers, and certain dog breeds

The Devil tried to plead to their stylist “Are you this all of it?” and truth be told it was clothing gifted by their Second in Command none other than Old Donald

who was stuffed with Big Macs from fast-food establishment McDonald's whose golden arch resembled the clothes the Devil wore on that day in 1988

If I were the Devil I would have fired Old Donald on that day but who I am to say as it was not them who broke the washing machine that day

that led to the atrocity in which I tell about the Devil from hell who had the unfortunate pleasure of wearing the color

Yellow.