Sylvia Plath transformation

daddy by Sylvia Plath re imagined

Daddy by Sylvia Plath as a monologue 

The sound of your key twisting in the keyhole is like barb wire meandering into my back. 

The sound of your footsteps coming up the stairs is a war march in my ears 

The sound of your voice is a drill sergeant 

Raise your back straight maggot 

Sound off one two

Sound off three four  

 Cover up my body under that full metal jacket 

Stop crying maggot 

Sound off!

He called for his pipe and he called for his bowl 

Oh a merry old soul was he 

Beer! Beer! Beer! Cried my father 

I may be a bit of a cong 

Daddy gone out to fight communism 

Momma gone out to the farm 

The Viet Cong are coming 

Mrs Plath must sound the alarm 

Never pout never cry never shout, he comes in when I’m sleeping, he comes in when I’m awake 

Nobody cares if you’ve been bad or good so be good for daddy’s sake 

Ive been standing on lines ever since daddy came home 

 

Reviews

[Betty]

What a powerful portrayal of thought and emotion..... Such a strict household makes you crave for the day you turn 18... Wonderful writing. You re-imagined Sylvia Plath's poem very well indeed.