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Open Poetry #23
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The Next Sylvia Plath
| Open Poetry #23 |
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The Next Sylvia Plath |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia 
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*Dear all, before you send me condolences (and I hope you would think I need them without this explanation) let me just say this is "what if" poetry. What if a poet was so taken with Sylvia Plath she started imitating her, where would it lead. BTW I have no friend named Jenny who desired to be the next Sylvia Plath. Are you happy now Jenny? You wanted to be the next Sylvia Plath and I encouraged you in that; knowing you had the talent. You followed in her footsteps as closely as a child follows her mother as closely as a disciple follows the master you studied her in depth - I had not known to what degree - and you mimicked her ways; at first I thought it was cute then it became frightening as I used the power of my words to draw you back from the precipice time and time again. Ever watchful of your fragility I began to shadow you until; you sent me away and I could help no more. When did the demons of darkness take up residency in your soul? How long did you struggle with silent tears - hiding the darkness within you from the world? Are you happy now Jenny? - now that you have left the world behind to be the next Sylvia Plath in word and deed Are you happy now? - because I'm not! You are gone and I may never be happy again! Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown [This message has been edited by Kethry (11-04-2002 05:26 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 Lynne Dale - All Rights Reserved | |||
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Keth? I too admire sylvia.. but not this close. no. not this close.  |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
serenity, ditto - for all of the above in your reply. Keth Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Left me with chills, ya did. |
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garysgirl 
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Kethry, it is sad to be lost from one's own identity so much that they think they have to totally imitate some-one else. It must be awful for some-one to dislike themselves that much. I'm GLAD it's not you that you're talking about. I like your individuality. Love makes the world go 'round (unkown) |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Hey Lynne, this is terrific... and about Ms Plath... I want to be the next Sylvia Plath   |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Midnitesun, if it left you with chills it has served its purpose, thank you. garysgirl, I'm glad too Ethel and I agree it is sad when a person dislikes themself so much they want to become someone else. That could never happen to me for I am Kethry through and through Dark Angel, you'd better not want it that much, because if that's the case I'm coming up there to knock some sense into you.  Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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RSWells Member Elite
since 2001-06-17
Posts 2533 |
Hard to figure the fascination with suicide artists, even though I too have researched them. Plath was very talented, had a style which was for the most part unique though she learned from Lowell who learned from Hart Crane, another suicide. All non-formalists Plath experimented with vowells instead of rhymes and was very effective. She may have been seeking attention, it's hard to believe she was in such pain that she left her infant and toddler in the next room. How does one explain Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Curt Cobain and their allure? Suicide of course is a very selfish act. I enjoyed your "what if" post. |
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Connel
since 2002-11-04
Posts 736Florida, USA |
Such a good poem.. Nick work. I wish to become a great poet some day, but it will only come in time. Til then, I shall write my poems, and wait. |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (big hugggsssssss) Oh Kethry, this is so well-said, sweet friend, I do love Sylvia Platt's work but I would never want to become her, or Anna Ankhatova, Kurt Cobain, for it truly is a depressing thing to wish to become just like someone else, especially one benty on committing suicide! (sad sigh) I'm glad this is just fictional in your case though I know this reality is real for others and I send angel hugs to them all, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Kethry, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton "Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..." |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
This is great, Kethry, and opens so many questions. Sylvia was indeed brilliant. Her poem "Daddy" will always be my favorite free-verse work. She was filled with demons, from an overbearing father to overbearing and unhappy marriages....all of these contributed greatly to her writing. Would I like to write like her? Oh, yes! Would I like to live with the demons that spurred her on...no, thanks. That price is too high to pay... |
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Kielo Senior Member
since 2002-02-11
Posts 1109 |
That was so good it made me shiver. I'm still a little shaken. Kielo I don't care if you're an old fart, because old people are smarter than me. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Lynne, it's her talent, her work I want... not her life |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
And then there are those with the same demons they live with day to daythat are so scared to let them loose to even write about. Once loose, then what? The statistics in poetry and the arts in general are staggering. Very chilling indeed Kethry. |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
RSWells, it's hard to figure indeed, perhaps it's more that these people are in public eye and therefore more prone to attention seeking. My sister says she believes Sylvia did what she did because she was bored. Anyway thanks for commenting. Connel, thank you for the comment Noah, me either. I think it would be the ultimate in cliche *grins Balladeer, I think perhaps she had no choice about either her talent or her demons, only what she did with both was hers to choose. Kielo, sorry didn't mean to shake you up. Thanks for stopping by. Dark Angel, I know, besides it is too late to take her life, it has already been taken. Mysteria, I know, I agree, except for some peverse part of me that says they destroy if they not set free. A sort of Silence of the Lambs type thing. Thanks for all for stopping by and to the Moderators thanks for allowing this thread to run its course. Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Walter Poe Senior Member
since 1999-10-13
Posts 787 |
Personally i always wanted to be like me but i never had the will power. This may sound odd but it is true Take a good look at my face |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Walter, I always wanted to become like me but it was only in becoming someone else I was able to move on. *enigmatic smile Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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Moonlight Romeo
since 2001-09-10
Posts 982The heart of you |
You know Kethry, this made me think about those artists who have been called "great" in the past who have suffered so. Why must we suffer for our art? Why must we give in to, or follow the demons of the mind, the heart, and the soul? Perhaps, that is another discussion. Superb poem, well done. Thank you. What light through yon window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
You know, Kethry, I have read this several times. I was glad for the disclaimer at the beginning. Unfortunately, your artistry is showing, because you have taken life and imitated it in a poem. That, my dear, is a compliment. How I wish others could be strong, but that is not how we are made, and once we realize our weaknesses, and our faults, only then, can we strengthen ourselves... You did yourself proud here, my poetess. Very proud. Stand tall, and wear the mantle warmly. |
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vandana
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
enjoy |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Moonlight Romeo, all I can say is it's a fine line between genius and madness and if the part of our brain that is awakened by circumstance is artistry it is so often connected with emotion, therefore naturally attached to the highs and lows. Sunshine, o wise one. We all have those doubts and fears it is in an ability to see them we grow and how you, along with this forum have helped me to grow. Vandana, thank you dear lady Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
When I read something and truly enjoy the experience and/or am touched by the reading, I know I've found a great poem... When the reading opens pathways of thought for its readers... including lazy ones like me... the poem is successful on still another plane. *S* This is superb, Kethry! |
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regards2you Member Elite
since 2002-10-01
Posts 3940California |
Kethry, A very thought provoking write. You didn't need to add the info. at top, for anyone who reads you knows of your own self-worth and humility, etc... (well, I think so) ...smiling!.... You summed it up best with your reply to Moonlight Romeo.. .....there is a fine line between genius and madness..... and, from personal experience with another, it is ~oh, so scary!~ when they go over the line...sometimes suicide is the best thing they can do for society......( I know that sounds awful, but.....) we are discussing poets, here...but, aren't we all in our own right, a poet? Sometimes, instead of suicide they choose homicide... perhaps, those who chose suicide were not selfish afterall, but, loving in a way we can't imagine! Genius, or not, they instinctively knew their limitations of control? And picked the lesser of two evils. Enjoyed this a great deal. With Warm Regards, Pat ..without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.. |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
Keth beloved one, as you say a voice that can change the world, or truth in advertising, whichever. Can you doubt still the power and persuasion of your writing? Can you still tell me that your writing needs sharpening, you need to hone this or that? No beloved one you do not Listen to your agent darling heart If you keep writing as well as this I won’t be able to keep the publishers from snatching the manuscripts from your hands. Exquisite writing, truly exquisite. And no I don’t want to be the next Sylvia, not that I could, but that driven by demons would not suit my gentle and restrained nature. Hush you saying you ought to be Absolutely wonderful darling heart, utterly utterly so   Love you always Slushy  |
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Madame Chipmunk Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296Michigan |
Thanks for sharing this one, Keth... Its excellent and I'm so glad it isn't real  ~ poetic chipmunk hugsLyra |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Keth, the beauty of this sadness is that it inspired you to write your own totally beautiful poetic work that contains such depth and great expression of feeling... all without losing sight of who you are... A compliment I would hope...for it is meant to be just that.. |
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angsana Member
since 2002-11-11
Posts 77 |
"When did the demons of darkness take up residency in your soul?" Very special line, and it said so much. I've enjoyed reading this poem, Kethry. |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
suthern, thank you for the highest compliment that I could ever receive, that of making people think. The only other one I cherish is that my poetry causes people to feel. As for you being lazy - I highly doubt that unless you are telling me your poetry is 99% inspiration and 1%perspiration and not the reverse, in which case you are entitled to be lazy because you are brilliant. regards2you, I agreed with you on some level about suicide being the lesser of two evils, but I could never agree totally because I've seen too much devastation left in its wake for me to condone it as selfless. Mushy, you are ever the optimist, it's one of the things I love about you. Madame, It was real in my head when I wrote it, does that count? *Nutty hugs* back Magnus, Thank you. Your comment is taken as a compliment and much appreciated. angsana, it's a special line to me also, sometimes the demons need to be taken out for a reality check. Thank you. Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown [This message has been edited by Kethry (11-15-2002 07:28 AM).] |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
Excellent write Kethry, I like to write but nope, wouldn't want to be her. Well done. "When we're torn apart, |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
Gentle Spirit, Me too. I like her skill with words but I wouldn't want to be her, sometimes it's hard enough just being me Keth Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
What is it that makes us always want to be someone we aren't? I have a 19 year old son who suffers from manic depression ( bipolar disorder) I see this strugle in him everyday, the need to be so like others that he's lost himself in the process. I often think his struggle will result in injury to himself or another...scary thought. This poem is an excellent write and it gives me chills to read. ~ Ruth |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
Keth beloved one BUMPITY BUMP While Bev de Bump can do the deed To bump a poem that reveals a seed She’s not always about, as you well know Sometimes she let’s me do it, like so Bev de Bump couldn’t come out today So she asked me to send this on its way Up to the top of the page to gather more Replies than it had before. That’s assuming bumps I still can do For the ones I love, namely you Krissy I’m afraid can’t do the job now The software doesn’t seem to know how So off with luck you go to the top With a skip, a jump and a giant hop Time will show how good you are A poet of style, you’re a shining star You know I love this one beloved heart, so up it goes. I have a touch of the flu darling heart so won’t be around very much but don't worry too much   Love and warm stuff As always Mushy  Breathe through the heat of our desire |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
hoot owl m, I know exactly what you mean, my son in trying to be like his friends got drunk and assaulted and now has an acquired brain injury. It's not even close to what you're going through I know, but for both, the seeds to what is happening now seem to lie in a dissatisfaction of the way they were. Marsha, thanks for the lift, now go to bed! Kethry Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown |
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