Poetry · Chapter
When Sue Wears Red explained
The poem celebrates the striking beauty of Susanna Jones when she wears red, comparing her face to an ancient cameo and evoking the image of an Egyptian queen.
What happens
The poem celebrates the striking beauty of Susanna Jones when she wears red, comparing her face to an ancient cameo and evoking the image of an Egyptian queen. The speaker's admiration is intense, describing a love-fire that burns like pain, and calls upon Jesus with trumpets to honor her majesty.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs in the final line, "Tell them to leave you alone!..."—a raw, defiant outburst that s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Loss
The speaker's love-fire burns sharp like pain, indicating intense romantic passion intertwined with a sense of longing.
- Resilience and Joy
The poem exalts the beauty and regal presence of Susanna Jones, evoking joy and pride in Black identity and heritage.
Characters to notice
- Susanna Jones
The subject of the poem, whose beauty in red is compared to an ancient cameo and an Egyptian queen.
- Jesus
Invoked with trumpets to witness and celebrate the beauty of Susanna Jones.
- Unknown
The speaker who expresses deep admiration and a love-fire burning in the heart.
Key passages
“When Susanna Jones wears red Her face is like an ancient cameo Turned brown by the ages.”
When Susanna Jones dresses in red, her face resembles an old carved gem that has been darkened over time.
Highlights the timeless and dignified beauty of Susanna Jones, connecting her to ancient artistry.
“And the beauty of Susanna Jones in red Burns in my heart a love-fire sharp like pain.”
The sight of Susanna Jones in red ignites a passionate love in me that is both intense and painful.
Expresses the speaker's deep emotional and physical reaction to her beauty.
