'Admonitions To A Special Person' by Anne Sexton

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Watch out for power,
for its avalanche can bury you,
snow, snow, snow, smothering your mountain.Watch out for hate,
it can open its mouth and you'll fling yourself out
to eat off your leg, an instant leper.Watch out for friends,
because when you betray them,
as you will,
they will bury their heads in the toilet
and flush themselves away.Watch out for intellect,
because it knows so much it knows nothing
and leaves you hanging upside down,
mouthing knowledge as your heart
falls out of your mouth.Watch out for games, the actor's part,
the speech planned, known, given,
for they will give you away
and you will stand like a naked little boy,
pissing on your own child-bed.Watch out for love
(unless it is true,
and every part of you says yes including the toes),
it will wrap you up like a mummy,
and your scream won't be heard
and none of your running will end.Love? Be it man. Be it woman.
It must be a wave you want to glide in on,
give your body to it, give your laugh to it,
give, when the gravelly sand takes you,
your tears to the land. To love another is something
like prayer and can't be planned, you just fall
into its arms because your belief undoes your disbelief.Special person,
if I were you I'd pay no attention
to admonitions from me,
made somewhat out of your words
and somewhat out of mine.
A collaboration.
I do not believe a word I have said,
except some, except I think of you like a young tree
with pasted-on leaves and know you'll root
and the real green thing will come.Let go. Let go.
Oh special person,
possible leaves,
this typewriter likes you on the way to them,
but wants to break crystal glasses
in celebration,
for you,
when the dark crust is thrown off
and you float all around
like a happened balloon.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Admonitions To A Special Person by Anne Sexton

Admonitions To A Special Person is a powerful poem by Anne Sexton that explores the complexities of a relationship between two people. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that make it a beautiful and haunting work of art. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, style, and meaning behind this classic poem.

Background

Anne Sexton was a prominent American poet who was born in Newton, Massachusetts in 1928. She struggled with mental illness throughout her life and often wrote about her experiences in her poetry. Admonitions To A Special Person was published in her second book of poetry, All My Pretty Ones, in 1962. The poem is dedicated to her daughter Linda who was born in 1949.

Themes

There are several themes that are explored in Admonitions To A Special Person. One of the most prominent themes is the idea of love and relationships. The poem is a series of admonitions or warnings to a special person. The speaker warns this person about the trials and tribulations of love and relationships. The speaker tells the person that love is not always easy and that it requires sacrifice and compromise. The poem suggests that love is a complex and difficult emotion that requires patience and understanding.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of identity. The speaker tells the person to "be yourself" and to not let others define them. The poem suggests that identity is an important part of who we are and that we should embrace our individuality.

The final theme that is explored in Admonitions To A Special Person is the idea of mortality. The poem suggests that life is short and that we should make the most of the time that we have. The speaker tells the person to "live your days as if each one may be your last" and to not waste a single moment.

Style

Anne Sexton's style in Admonitions To A Special Person is both poetic and conversational. The poem is written in free verse and does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. Instead, the poem relies on imagery and metaphor to create a powerful emotional impact. The language in the poem is simple and direct, which makes it accessible to a wide audience.

The poem also uses repetition to create a sense of urgency. The phrase "remember" is repeated throughout the poem, which emphasizes the importance of the speaker's message. The poem also uses lists to create a sense of completeness. For example, the speaker provides a list of things that the person should do to show their love for someone else.

Interpretation

Admonitions To A Special Person is a deeply personal poem that reflects Anne Sexton's own struggles with mental illness and relationships. The poem suggests that love is not always easy and that it requires sacrifice and patience. The speaker warns the person about the difficulties of love and relationships, but also suggests that it is worth it in the end.

The poem also suggests that identity is an important part of who we are. The speaker tells the person to "be yourself" and to not let others define them. This theme is particularly important given the context of Anne Sexton's own struggles with mental illness. The poem suggests that we should embrace our individuality and not let others define us.

Finally, the poem suggests that life is short and that we should make the most of the time that we have. The speaker tells the person to "live your days as if each one may be your last" and to not waste a single moment. This theme is particularly poignant given the context of Anne Sexton's own struggles with mental illness and eventual suicide.

Conclusion

Admonitions To A Special Person is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the complexities of love, relationships, identity, and mortality. Anne Sexton's style is both poetic and conversational, which makes the poem accessible to a wide audience. The poem reflects Anne Sexton's own struggles with mental illness and relationships, but also offers a message of hope and resilience. Admonitions To A Special Person is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Anne Sexton's "Admonitions To A Special Person" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and moving piece that speaks to the heart of the human experience. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem is addressed to a special person, someone who is close to the poet's heart. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as Sexton warns the person to "be careful of words" and to "keep them short and sweet." This admonition is a warning to the person to be mindful of their words and to use them wisely. The poet is urging the person to be careful with their words, as they can have a powerful impact on others.

The poem is filled with vivid imagery that helps to convey its message. For example, Sexton uses the image of a "snake" to represent the danger of words. She warns the person to "beware of the snake" and to "keep your distance." This image is a powerful reminder of the potential harm that words can cause.

Another powerful image used in the poem is that of a "rose." Sexton urges the person to "pick the petals carefully" and to "keep the stem." This image is a reminder that words can be beautiful and powerful, but they must be handled with care. The rose is a symbol of love and beauty, but it can also be dangerous if mishandled.

The language used in the poem is simple and direct, yet it is also rich in meaning. Sexton uses repetition to emphasize her message, as she repeats the phrase "be careful of words" throughout the poem. This repetition is a powerful reminder of the importance of words and their impact on others.

The poem is also filled with metaphors and symbolism. For example, Sexton uses the image of a "mirror" to represent the self. She warns the person to "look in the mirror" and to "see what you are." This metaphor is a reminder that we must be honest with ourselves and acknowledge our flaws and weaknesses.

Another powerful metaphor used in the poem is that of a "hammer." Sexton warns the person to "use the hammer" and to "break the glass." This metaphor is a reminder that sometimes we must be forceful and take action to achieve our goals.

The poem is also filled with contrasts and contradictions. For example, Sexton urges the person to "be gentle" and to "be strong." This contrast is a reminder that we must balance our emotions and be both gentle and strong in our interactions with others.

Overall, "Admonitions To A Special Person" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the heart of the human experience. It is a reminder of the importance of words and their impact on others. The poem is filled with vivid imagery, metaphors, and symbolism that help to convey its message. It is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with readers today.

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