some correlation years removed from Fitzroy Road...

some correlation years removed from Fitzroy Road... 

 

 

Sylvia,

maybe we would have gotten along

splendidly

 

i think your words

could have dated mine

and eventually procreated

poems that would never grow old

 

and maybe the gassy breaths

in your kitchen could have been a meal for two

and the towels under the door

 

would have been meant

to save the writings

we never really wanted anyone to see

kept just between you and me

 

and a god that didn't understand

our "wanting to die"

so that the theme of us

might be remembered....

 

 

erin-cilberto

3/1/19

Reviews

[kentuck14]

My question: Would Sylvia Plath be as famous in the literary world if she didn't commit suicide? Sylvia was a very sad person . . . from what I've read, a difficult person in many ways (This dosen't let Ted off the hook).
I could be very wrong in my thoughts here . . . but this seems almost an attempt to save Sylvia after the deed. Or perhaps to project one's self to Fitzroy Road in order to save her before the deed.
Could someone's poetry save Sylvia from such deep despair? Or it could just be an identification with the weary soul of a creative person . . . the line, "to save the writings we never wanted anyone else to see kept just between you and me." The last stanza is interesting as well . . . wanting a God who does understand the human condition of loneliness, that long loneliness that drives us to express it all, and hopefully keep us from putting our head in an oven.

This is a very imaginative poem, Jacob. In fact I think it a courageous poem . . . taking yourself to the very edge of the abyss and looking into it. There's nothing more lonely than holding hands with a ghost . . . especially a famous one. I'm almost tempted to try my hand at seeing Sylvia after nearly 60 years after her death.
Tom

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i really appreciate this review Tom...and also your question...my thesis dealt with Plath and Sexton...and one question i did pose...was exactly what you asked, and of both poets. I think Sexton was a terrific poet, but got more exposure not only because of her suicide but also being good friends with Sylvia...but I decided through research and her poetry that Sylvia was a force and would have left a strong legacy even if she hadn't been suicidal/manic depressive....but then everyone is curious over suicides, trying to uncover the reasons through the person's writing.
thanks again,
j.

[kentuck14]

I think that thesis would be an interesting read.
My thinking about Sexton . . . she is as remembered for her good looks and glamor as a much as her poetry. I guess I'm a bit gun-shy of these poets because of my own struggle with depression many years ago. It could have gone that way . . . thankfully it didn't. It's a reminder that we can at one time or other can fall; that the abyss is just a step away.

You say Plath was a force. Would her poetry have been remembered if not for the darkness she plowed?
Tom

[jacob erin-cilberto]

that is a good question, i think so but maybe not..
and yes on that abyss...was there myself...many years back...and a couple drifts in that direction some years later. I am glad that you went the other direction and we have you at WC...
Yes, Sexton was known for her looks for sure....
that thesis was typed on a typewriter...and i probably don't even have it anymore...not sure.
but it was fun to do it because my professor allowed me a lot of leeway to be creative with it.

[kentuck14]

Thanks for your thoughts.
T.

[andrew mitchell]

A testament to Ms Plath - her fine writings but like all good poets even Jim Morrison misfortune plays its part in their demise, their disappearance but their words and music live on. Its more sad if a great writer stops writing and you want more like the sad news you hear when a favourite band breaks up! You ask why? Why? AS always polished to the core writing!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and she was writing her best stuff at the time of her death...so sad...what we never got to have....like Buddy Holly dying so young..
thanks, andrew,
j.

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

wow beautifully written Jacob. I have just read the reviews and now understand what it is about or should i say who it was about. I am not aware of her or her writing so will go on line to read more.
tragic any suicide. we often wonder if only they hadnt or if only they didnt what would they be now or who would they be or where? Its lifes mystery on this terrible death that they release and succomb to. I liked this poem a lot and at first when I read it before reading the reviews I thought it was going to be a loves lost sort of romantic poem. AT least that would of been one that you had hope for. Suicide is no hope. eh? good write enjoyed it.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i appreciate your words, Julie, and actually really like to hear alternative interpretations like yours..
thank you for your insight.'
j.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

no worries, take care :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

it means the poem can be interpreted universally...which is so important for poets, i believe...
read moreit means the poem can be interpreted universally...which is so important for poets, i believe...

[Tim]

You've captured the essence of someone who wishes things could have been different. We will never know what was going through her mind when she took her life. In her case, the writing wasn't enough. Words weren't enough. This has a haunting effect written with a curiosity akin to candle in the wind.

A five-star poem.

Sun spot.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Sun spot...yes, usually poets write themselves away from death...a few were unable to do that...Berryman, Sexton, Jarrell...others.
j.

[Neville]

I presume this must be to or for Sylvia Plath a fine poet indeed and who decided when it was time for her to leave the party... prematurely and true.... whether I am right or miles of target, this is a fantastic post sir and then some.... Neville

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind review, Neville,
j.

[Ted Kniffen]

Such a shame...such a loss. A beautiful woman tormented throughout her life by those inner demons...and not a few outer ones as well. Perhaps though it was those things that made her the poet she was.
I have read Hughes...not 100% sure why he was a Poet Laureate of England.
I can well understand your fascination with her.
Mental illness has never been treated well, but especially not in those days...electric shock...what the...

A beautiful tribute nonetheless and I'm certain your words would have blended quite well.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your insights and kind words, Ted,
j.

[Einstein Noodle]

wow! incredible poetry sir ... Sylvia Plath of course! the love story in your poem is full ... V2 ...spot on poet's longing for that perfect collaboration ... the kitchen scene is so emotive and vivid says i! i love this poem! V3 L3 is so poignant ... makes that turn sharper than hair-pin .. title is a bit too complicated for me ..but hey..i just woke up ;) i found this bit in the NY Times "Al Alvarez, in his classic study of suicide, “The Savage God,” describes the scene at that Chalcot Square apartment. “[It was so small that everything seemed sideways on.” But there was room for the essential: “A typewriter stood on a little table by the window, and they took turns at it, each working shifts while the other minded the baby.”]" by Roger Cohen ... lots of tributes and poetry referring to Sylvia but for me ..honestly, jacob this is one of the best ... i think its stunning ... thanks for sharing sir!
E.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your very kind review, E.
j.

[Stella Armour]

such an impossible coupling, but maybe the procreations are spiritual Jacob ?

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your comment, Stella...
j.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

This is a lovely, if sad, tribute to Plath. In it the protagonist is yearning to save her, to share with her even in death it seems.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your words, John,
j.

[Chris Shaw]

"I think your words could have dated mine", what a romantic thought, and then " eventually would have procreated poems that would never grow old". No wonder you studied her for your Masters. Your admiration is evident. It is a great pity she didn't find happiness with Ted Hughes, who certainly got his fair share of karma after her death. I do sometimes wonder whether the outcome would have been any different if she had been with any other poet. That's where you took me Jacob.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you so much for taking the journey, Chris...
yes, Ted...ugh.
appreciate your visit.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Ted.. ugh I agree with that sentiment entirely.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

the woman with whom Ted had his affair, the cause for Sylvia divorcing him...she and Ted had a daughter, four years old at the time..she committed suicide in the same manner as Sylvia and had the daughter with her...both were lost.
Something about Ted...
tragic...

[Chris Shaw]

Yes, that was Assia, she was also a poet. Astounding that she chose to die in the same way. Perhaps she felt she lived in Sylvia's shadow? Ted and Sylvia's son also died by suicide. Tragic family altogether.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Yes, wasn't it about two or three years ago that he committed suicide?
yes, so many parallels, so much tragedy...and maybe she did feel that she lived in the shadow...never becoming nearly as known for her own work.

[Chris Shaw]

It was further back I think. Probably eight or nine years ago. He hadn't even reached 50. Assia must have had several reasons. Guilt being one of them, living in Sylvia's shadow plus her own work not getting recognition. She would make an interesting subject for a poem herself.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

yes, she would...and wow. time flies, you are so right...Nicholas died in 2009, almost ten years back...
feels like i just heard he had committed suicide...time flies or i am getting a bit senile...

[Chris Shaw]

Time flies. Senile you are not :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and your comments and our conversation spawned a poem...i am going to post it now...thanks for the idea, my friend. I hope I did them some justice.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased to inspire a poem. I am sure you will do them justice.