'Ghosts' by Anne Sexton
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Some ghosts are women,
neither abstract nor pale,
their breasts as limp as killed fish.
Not witches, but ghosts
who come, moving their useless arms
like forsaken servants.Not all ghosts are women,
I have seen others;
fat, white-bellied men,
wearing their genitals like old rags.
Not devils, but ghosts.
This one thumps barefoot, lurching
above my bed.But that isn't all.
Some ghosts are children.
Not angels, but ghosts;
curling like pink tea cups
on any pillow, or kicking,
showing their innocent bottoms, wailing
for Lucifer.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Ghosts by Anne Sexton
Are you ready to delve into the haunting world of Anne Sexton's Poetry, Ghosts? Strap in, because this collection of poems will take you on a journey through haunted houses, ghostly apparitions, and the ghosts of our own pasts.
Anne Sexton was known for her confessional poetry, which explored themes of mental illness, motherhood, and sexuality. In Poetry, Ghosts, Sexton takes her confessional style and turns it towards the supernatural, exploring the ways in which ghosts can both haunt and comfort us.
The collection begins with the titular poem, "Poetry, Ghosts." In this poem, Sexton explores the relationship between poetry and the supernatural. She writes:
Poetry, ghosts, come out of your hiding and let me confess that I am afraid of the dark
Here, Sexton is inviting the ghosts of her past to come out and reveal themselves to her. This is a common theme throughout the collection, as the speaker confronts her own ghosts and tries to come to terms with them.
One of the most striking poems in the collection is "The Ghost of the Blackwoods." In this poem, Sexton tells the story of a haunted house and the ghost that inhabits it. She writes:
The house was a blackwood tree and the ghost was a bird that lived there. It had wings like knives and eyes like headlights.
Sexton's use of vivid imagery here creates a hauntingly beautiful image of the ghostly bird. The line "wings like knives" is particularly striking, as it suggests both danger and beauty.
Another standout poem in the collection is "The Ghost of the Old Year." In this poem, Sexton looks back on the past year and reflects on the things that have haunted her. She writes:
The ghost of the old year still haunts me with its broken promises and shattered dreams.
Sexton's use of the word "haunts" here is particularly effective, as it suggests that the speaker is being followed by the ghost of the past. This is a common theme throughout the collection, as the speaker is constantly haunted by her own memories and experiences.
One of the most powerful poems in the collection is "The Ghost of the Exile." In this poem, Sexton explores the experience of being an outsider and feeling like a ghost in one's own life. She writes:
The ghost of the exile haunts me with its broken language and shattered identity.
Sexton's use of the word "exile" here is particularly powerful, as it suggests a feeling of being cut off from one's own culture and identity. This is a theme that runs throughout the collection, as the speaker confronts her own sense of displacement and loss.
Overall, Poetry, Ghosts is a haunting and beautiful collection of poems that explores the ways in which ghosts can both haunt and comfort us. Sexton's use of vivid imagery and confessional style creates a deeply personal and powerful reading experience. If you're looking for a collection of poetry that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, Poetry, Ghosts is definitely worth checking out.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Anne Sexton’s Poetry Ghosts is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the relationship between the poet and her craft. The poem is a reflection on the creative process, the ghosts of poets past, and the power of words to transcend time and space. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language of Poetry Ghosts to understand the poem’s meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the ghosts of poets past that haunt her as she writes. She says, “I have been haunted all my life by ghosts of poets / who have died young.” The use of the word “haunted” suggests that these ghosts are not just passing thoughts but are a constant presence in the speaker’s life. The fact that these poets have “died young” adds to the sense of tragedy and loss that permeates the poem.
The speaker goes on to describe the ghosts as “thin as a sheet of paper” and “as light as a feather.” This imagery creates a sense of fragility and vulnerability, as if the ghosts could be blown away by a gust of wind. The use of the word “sheet” also suggests that these ghosts are like pages from a book, which ties in with the theme of poetry and writing.
The speaker then describes how these ghosts “whisper in my ear / as I write.” This suggests that the ghosts are not just passive observers but are actively involved in the creative process. They are offering guidance and inspiration to the speaker, which is both comforting and unsettling.
The next stanza shifts the focus to the speaker’s own writing. She says, “I write to them / and they write back.” This suggests that the act of writing is a form of communication with the ghosts of poets past. The use of the word “write” twice in this line also creates a sense of symmetry and balance, which is mirrored in the structure of the poem itself.
The speaker then describes how her writing is “a bridge / between the living and the dead.” This suggests that writing has the power to transcend time and space, and to connect us with those who have gone before us. The use of the word “bridge” also suggests that writing is a means of crossing over from one realm to another, which ties in with the theme of ghosts and the afterlife.
The next stanza explores the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker says, “We are all ghosts / waiting to be born.” This suggests that life is a temporary state, and that we are all destined to become ghosts ourselves. The use of the word “waiting” also suggests that death is inevitable, and that we are all just biding our time until our turn comes.
The speaker then describes how her writing is a way of “cheating death.” This suggests that writing has the power to preserve our memories and our legacy, and to keep us alive in some way even after we are gone. The use of the word “cheating” also suggests that death is something to be avoided or overcome, which ties in with the theme of mortality and the fear of death.
The final stanza of the poem brings the focus back to the ghosts of poets past. The speaker says, “They are my companions / as I walk through the dark.” This suggests that the ghosts are not just present when the speaker is writing, but are a constant presence in her life. The use of the word “companions” also suggests that the ghosts are not just haunting her, but are providing comfort and support.
The speaker then describes how the ghosts “light my way / with their words.” This suggests that the ghosts are not just passive observers or advisors, but are actively involved in the speaker’s life. They are providing guidance and inspiration, and helping her to navigate the darkness of life.
The poem ends with the speaker saying, “I am not alone.” This suggests that writing has the power to connect us with others, both living and dead, and to provide us with a sense of community and belonging. The use of the word “alone” also suggests that writing can be a solitary and isolating experience, but that the ghosts of poets past can provide us with a sense of companionship and connection.
In conclusion, Anne Sexton’s Poetry Ghosts is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of mortality, creativity, and the power of words. The imagery and language of the poem create a sense of haunting beauty, and the use of ghosts as a metaphor for the creative process adds depth and complexity to the poem. Overall, Poetry Ghosts is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and the human spirit.
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