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Silver Solitude on Storm's Edge

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With a silver pen scratching against the storm within me, I delve into the fractured life of Sylvia Plath. My poem is a tribute to Sylvia, one of the most favorite and influential and tragic poets of the 20th century.

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I emerged / born with a silver pen in hand …and a tempest raging within. Words writhe, a serpent's coil …tightening their grip A soul adrift in a sea of …self-made iniquity. I buried my daddy …in the black shoe …by the Yew tree Yes, I, the beekeeper’s daughter …bearing the weight of hexagonal cells A hive of memories …buzzing with secrets. The bell jar shattered ….a fractured hive. Its glass walls no longer a prison …but a shattered cocoon ……a metamorphous! Pain and disdain drip like honey …a bittersweet nectar of survival. He, a poet …crowned in the harsh light of fame Bound in chains of duty and shame His words …a romance of lure and alarm. Echoing the sirens' song …enticing and harmful. Yet, his tongue …a viper’s forked lie. Whispers truths and half-truths …conjuring illusions to die. Wandering the maze of being A little fugue of …fractured fairytales. Each note a fleeting glimpse of clarity Lost in the discordant …cacophony of life's emptiness. Like my "Little Fugue" a dance of shadows A journey through the corridors of the mind Seeking answers in the interplay of light and dark Striving for harmony amidst the chaos Parchment of blood and ink I leave A riddle of life and death's plea Maniacal madness with visions slight A macabre dance upon the night. Ariel, brings lightning and fire! With heavy heart …I sealed my children's room. Softly kissed them farewell ……Extinguishing the final flame within. Enveloped in oblivion's velvet veil ………Yielding to the oven’s cold caress. …………No, more morning songs... Inscribed a cryptic goodbye Breathed in the silent slayer. For, I Lady Lazarus …Dying is an art ……Faded into the ether… Her blacks crackle and drag, a fire of new birth Flames licking at the borders of life Consumed by oblivion's greedy blaze Lost in the vast cosmic ray. The embers die …a fleeting spark gone No masterpiece …….just dust reclaimed A silent echo in the void unstained. A mystery lost ………never quite explained. Yet, God's Lioness ...Fierce and Untamed Roaring her defiance …Covered in darkness… ---- Underneath the star-strewn skies A fleeting passing note. Lost in the vast expanse Living on the edge For, I am but a speck of dust.

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Paula Goldsmith

Date: 2/29/2024 8:37:00 AM

WOW!!! What a wonderful tribute/write/picture to Silvia with a great ending. Life is not always easy. We are just a speck of dust for a short time... Have a blessed day writing away...............

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/29/2024 11:44:00 AM

Hello Paula, I appreciate your beautiful words and also your uplifting comments. Life is complex, and her life was much too short and had a lot to give that we still look at today. Thanks, Paula, my friend. - Blessings, Daniel

Duke Beaufort

Date: 2/24/2024 6:07:00 AM

You do indeed capture the pained thought process of Silvia. It takes a lot of empathy and care to get this intimate with the thoughts and life of another being who is now beyond help. You are kind to make such a tribute and to bring some light to Silvia and others who have a particular internal wiring that in combination with life's circumstances makes life difficult. There is a bit of Sylvia in all of us. TY!!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/24/2024 4:53:00 PM

Dear Duke, Thank you deeply for your heartfelt response to my poem. It means a lot to me that you felt the empathy and care I tried to convey for Silvia's pained thought process. Indeed, it's a delicate endeavor to explore the inner workings of another's mind, especially one who feels beyond help. Your words affirm the importance of honoring individuals like Silvia and shedding light on the complexities of their inner worlds. I'm grateful for your recognition and acknowledgment that there's a bit of Sylvia in all of us. Thank you for sharing your insights and appreciation. - Blessings, Daniel

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/24/2024 4:49:00 PM

Valsa George

Date: 2/23/2024 9:27:00 PM

Hi Daniel, like your other poems I have read so far, this too stands out for your ability to touch human hearts and teach them many things about life. This journey into the life of Sylvia Plath has been a real exploration into the complexities of her mind plagued by depression and angst, even bordering on insanity. I had seen her in a different light. But with what empathy, you have delved into her life and her unfortunate death.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/24/2024 4:53:00 PM

Dear Valsa, Your heartfelt response to my poem touches me deeply. I’m grateful for your kind words and the way you’ve engaged with Sylvia Plath’s complex life and struggles. It’s true, the thin margin between sanity and insanity is fragile, and depression can affect anyone, regardless of circumstance. Your empathy towards those battling depression is truly commendable. I’m humbled by your recognition of the nuances within Sylvia’s life and the exploration of her psyche that my poem attempts to capture. It’s important to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of her challenges and the impact of relationships like that with Ted Hughes. Thank you for your unwavering support and for seeing the poetry even in the title. I am honored by your salute and grateful for your presence on this poetic journey. - Blessings, Daniel

Valsa George
Date: 2/24/2024 1:53:00 AM

The thin margin between sanity and insanity can be ruptured anytime and I always sympathise with those falling into depression. It can happen in the life of anyone, at any time. Ted Hughes might not have been the real cause of her suicide.She had attempted it earlier even before coming into the life of Ted. The way you have described her farewell to her little children made my eyes well with tears. However, Ted precipitated her suicidal urge as he left her for another woman. I was drawn to this particular poem seeing its title. There is so much poetry even in the title. Daniel your poems are learning lessons for us. I salute the great poet in you and the great man you are!

Eric Ashford

Date: 2/23/2024 3:58:00 PM

Brilliant.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/23/2024 4:56:00 PM

Hello Eric, thank you for stopping by and reading poem. Have a great weekend. - Blessings, Daniel

Michael Tor

Date: 2/20/2024 6:47:00 PM

Daniel reading your exceptional creation of researched, and life of Sylvia Plath put in Poetry relating to what she was struggling with, was truly amazing. Your insightful knowledge of her, reflected the touching and heartfelt words you penned. Your abilities to convey her emotions, thoughts, perspective and reality are to your credit as an exceptional writer. I am always amazed to read the the words from incredibly talented individuals, and you my friend are one of those individuals...

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/23/2024 5:00:00 PM

Hello Michael, your words truly touched my heart. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and appreciate my poem on Sylvia Plath. Knowing that it connected with you and that you found it exceptional means the world to me. Sylvia Plath’s life and struggles have always fascinated me, and I poured my heart and soul into capturing her essence through poetry. Your recognition of the emotional depth and insight within the piece is incredibly validating. I’m deeply grateful for your kind words and encouragement. It’s readers like you who inspire me to continue writing and exploring the depths of human experience through poetry. Thank you again for your generous praise. - Blessings, Daniel

Bill Baker
Date: 2/22/2024 5:04:00 PM

As are you, Michael. Great to see you back on the "soup", my friend. (You have Soup Mail). Please forgive the intrusion Daniel. Bill

Bill Baker

Date: 2/19/2024 9:47:00 PM

(continued) You did an exquisite job by using metaphors and words and titles that Plath used or wrote about. Free Verse was a good choice of form for this poem. I never have enough room for what I have to say, (I am quite wordy). I enjoyed reading more about Plath and her circumstance and state of mind at the end of her life. Blessings, my friend, Bill

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/20/2024 9:30:00 AM

Dear Bill, Thank you so much for your thoughtful and insightful comments on my poem. I sincerely appreciate your recognition of the importance of the subject matter and its relevance in the history of creativity. Your understanding of the complexities surrounding suicide and the thin line between genius and insanity is so true. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and for your kind blessings. - Blessings, Daniel

Bill Baker

Date: 2/19/2024 9:42:00 PM

AS always, an excellent Narrative poem, Daniel. Your choice of subject is of great importance in the history of poets, artist, musicians and other creatives. Suicide is always a disaster and tragic thing to happen to a person. There is a thin line between genius and insanity in my humble opinion. Add to that, fame and unachievable expectations, drugs, and inherent guilt when dreams are goals are not reached ... suicide becomes a logical solution to an irrational mind. (Continued)

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 2/19/2024 8:59:00 AM

Once someone told me I reminded them of sylvia plath, although I can't imagine why... yet, I have held my hand to the fires of madness' flames... as someone who is bipolar, I have felt the heat of the insane stirring through my veins... your poem is a journey of amazing depth and compassion and artistry. I love it and am faving it - God bless you always with such amazing creativity. Love, Gina

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/19/2024 9:39:00 AM

Dearest Regina, Your response to my poem deeply touched me, and I am grateful for your heartfelt words. Your vulnerability and honesty in sharing your own journey with bipolar disorder added another layer of meaning to my poem, and I appreciate you opening up about your experiences. To be compared to Sylvia Plath is a profound compliment, and I believe your strength and resilience in facing the challenges reflect the same courage that characterized Plath's work. I admire your ability to articulate the intense emotions and struggles that come with bipolar disorder. May you always be blessed with strength, creativity, and the unwavering love and support of those around you. – Blessings, Daniel

Maria Williams

Date: 2/19/2024 5:29:00 AM

Dear Daniel, I must confess this is the first time I have heard of Sylvia Plath and got tempted to read about her after your excellent poem. A truly tragic story, and back in the day it would have been a horrible experience. Depression and suicide are such terrible things. In fact some time ago, on Poetry Soup I did write a poem 'Starry Starry Night' which is still getting a lot of views. In your poem you have so aptly described the mental stress of Sylvia Plath. Thank you for sharing - Maria

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/19/2024 6:56:00 AM

Dear Maria, Thank you so much for your heartfelt response to my poem. I'm glad to hear that my poem about Sylvia Plath inspired you to learn more about her tragic story. Indeed, her life was marked by immense talent overshadowed by profound struggles with depression and, ultimately, her untimely death. It's sobering to think about the challenges Plath faced, especially considering the lack of understanding and support for mental health issues during her time. Your poem 'Starry Starry Night' sounds intriguing, and I'm not surprised it's garnering a lot of views on Poetry Soup. I'd love to read it. It's my hope that through poetry, we can shed light on these crucial issues and foster empathy and understanding. Thank you once again for taking the time to read and respond to my poem. Your support means a lot to me. - Blessings, Daniel

Ink Empress

Date: 2/18/2024 10:38:00 PM

Dear daniel, you never fail to leave me speechless. An empathetic mind that dives deep into the emotional experience of one that you havent ever known but through words of hers is impressive really. I wrote a poem too in plath and poe style for tom woodys contest once called “ song of demise “ and that was when i did som research on her. And her mental health battles and her tragic demise too, was shocking and sadly haunting. And i cant even imagine what she must have gone through those days as

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/19/2024 6:41:00 AM

Dear Ink Empress, Your words touched me deeply, and I'm grateful for your thoughtful and heartfelt response to my poem about Sylvia Plath. It means a lot to me to hear you found it to be a soul-hitting experience. Delving into the lives of such prolific writers, especially considering their mental health struggles and tragic ends, is indeed a haunting experience. I plan to go out and read your poem that you referenced. Thank you once again for your kind words and for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me. – Blessings, Daniel

Ink Empress
Date: 2/18/2024 10:42:00 PM

mental health probably was frowned upon and had more stigma than now back then. I must say your poem is so well delivered and written just in her style and i loved so many lines in this and depth of emotions too youv delivered here really was soul hitting! I especially loved “ Underneath the star-strewn skies, A fleeting passing note, Lost in the vast expanse, Living on the edge, For, I am but a speck of dust.” Exactly how those drowing in darkness feel! Well said! And the opening lines with alliterations and descriptive language truly is impeccable! A fave this is for me

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 2/18/2024 10:24:00 PM

Your poem is a deep and creative look at this poet, one I do not personally enjoy but I recall many years ago reading the Bell Jar. And even though I don't remember it's details, I believe your free verse captures the books melancholy tone. You are such a poetic artist.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/19/2024 6:33:00 AM

Dear Andrea, I very much appreciated your kind words this morning. I think that her poems are so dark at times and she is considered a Confessional Poet which can make it difficult to read. What I have liked about her is the Rawness of her words and her existential thoughts about her life. It is difficult to write about one's life in such expressive ways about depression, abuse, loneliness, and life in general. Thanks again, my dear friend. - Blessings, Daniel

Silent One

Date: 2/18/2024 3:47:00 AM

Daniel, I must say that Sylvia is not a poet I like very much, also, I do wonder if she got more fame due to her death, as you know some artists do get more fame after death.. however, I shall comment on the merit of your poem... I felt that your Your poem is a captivating journey through the complexities of Path's existence, laden with vivid imagery and profound introspection. The imagery of the silver pen and the tempest raging within sets a powerful tone from the outset, inviting readers into the depths of her emotional landscape... Her portrayal being crowned in the harsh light of fame, bound by duty and shame, resonates with the complexities of creative expression and the sacrifices often demanded by society. The imagery of the viper's forked lie and the conjuring of illusions to die beautifully encapsulates the duality inherent in the pursuit of truth and artistry... You my friend are an outstanding poet..

Silent One
Date: 2/18/2024 6:25:00 AM

I would be grateful to get your feedback in my Narrow Margin poem...if you have time. I think you may like it.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/18/2024 4:44:00 AM

Your generous praise of my poem, particularly highlighting its imagery and introspection, means the world to me. Your words inspire me to continue delving into the complexities of existence and expression, striving to capture the essence of human experience through poetry. Thank you once again for your kind words and encouragement. Your support fuels my passion for writing and reminds me of the wonderful connections we can forge through art. Blessings, Daniel

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/18/2024 4:43:00 AM

Dear Silent One, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your thoughtful and insightful comments on my poem. Your words truly touched me, and I am deeply appreciative of the time and consideration you put into analyzing and reflecting on my work. Your observation about Sylvia and the nature of artistic fame after death is insightful. It’s a complex aspect of the creative world that often prompts introspection and discussion. Your willingness to engage with both the poem and its wider context speaks volumes about your depth of thought and empathy.

Janice Canerdy

Date: 2/17/2024 6:12:00 PM

You have vividly described a troubled soul and how brilliance can't negate emotional turmoil, Daniel.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/18/2024 4:28:00 AM

Dear, Janice, thank you for your kind note. You make a great point that intellect cannot overcome severe depression. I am a therapist and I walk with people who have these inner battles. It is sad when desth becomes the solution. - Blessings my friend! Daniel

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 2/17/2024 5:27:00 AM

i think this is a superb poem on plath, who also happens to be one of my favourite poets too (i wrote one about her 'the night is freezing fast') i like how you incorporated some of her words and titles in your poem..i live not far from the place where she lived with ted hughes, and have visited it many times, and also walked around many of the settings for some of her poems - the abandoned site of 'the bee meeting', and the famous yew tree...

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/17/2024 1:30:00 PM

Dearest Charlotte, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your insightful and moving response to my poem about Sylvia. Your words truly touched me, and it means the world to know that my attempts to capture her essence was noticed by you. I especially appreciate your specific observations. Knowing you felt the "raw vulnerability and emotional intensity" through color imagery makes me happy – that was exactly what I was aiming for. I am very envious that you live that close to her house and visited some of the locations of her poems. I have been to Poe’s house in Richmond Virginia and Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Living a little bit of the history. By the way I read your poem and commented - Blessings my Friend, Daniel

Kate Davies

Date: 2/16/2024 11:55:00 PM

Daniel, this is brilliant, I especially love 'He, a poet, …crowned in the harsh light of fame, Bound in chains of duty and shame, His words, …a romance of lure and alarm, Echoing the sirens' song, …enticing and harmful. Yet, his tongue, …a viper’s forked lie, Whispers truths and half-truths, …conjuring illusions to die.' Ted? Silvia Plath is one of my favourite poets, and this is very befitting!

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/17/2024 4:25:00 AM

Dear Kate, Your words mean a lot to me, especially coming from someone who shares a love for her work. You've pinpointed exactly what I was trying to convey with the contrasting imagery and symbolism. Yes, the section you referenced is about Ted. Thanks again for taking the time to comment, Kate. It truly fuels my creative fire. - Blessings, Daniel

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 2/16/2024 8:20:00 PM

An outstanding poem with great rhythmic meter, I appreciated the elegy to a poet. This was magic to the ears.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/17/2024 4:26:00 AM

Dear, Hilda, that you for your kind words and I deeply appreciate them. - Blessings, Daniel

Jerry Brotherton

Date: 2/16/2024 5:48:00 PM

A brilliant job of bringing her story to the world, Daniel. Fascinating and captivating tale of her struggle with depression and despair. Beautifully done, my friend.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/16/2024 6:44:00 PM

Hello Jerry, thank you for coming by and sharing your affirmative thoughts on my poem. I hope that it raises the awareness of the struggles of Mental Health. Blessings, My Friend! - Daniel

Mystic Rose Rose

Date: 2/16/2024 2:51:00 PM

You have done an outstanding job re-creating the story of an amazing woman, who suffered at the cusp of her genius, thank you for sharing your silver pen, once more dear Daniel :)

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/16/2024 6:35:00 PM

Dear, Rose, Thank you for your kind words and I appreciate your visit. She was an amazing writer and poet. - Blessings, Daniel

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 2/16/2024 11:00:00 AM

Mental struggles are so common. Pity a great personage should commit suicide.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/16/2024 12:06:00 PM

Hello Victor, Thank you for stopping by. You are so right that many do suffer. I am actually a counselor by vocation and get to see some very tragic cases. Sylvia had so much to offer, and there is so much to glean from her published works. She was a fantastic writer and won many awards. - Blessings, Daniel

Sara Kendrick

Date: 2/16/2024 9:26:00 AM

I think I might have seen a movie about her at one time. Sad that she committed suicide when she had so much more life to live. Creative way to approach the writing. Good metaphors used in the writing. Thanks for sharing this with us and for dropping by my page. Sara K

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/16/2024 12:09:00 PM

Hello Sara, Thanks for stopping by and commenting and it is always appreciated. Sylvia had so much to offer the world, and like many artists in their trade, they died way too young. There were two movies and the 2nd movie is with Gwenth Paltrow made I believe in 2003. Thanks again, my friend. - Blessings, Daniel

Lin Lane

Date: 2/16/2024 7:48:00 AM

Isolation and despair are the lethal weapons of depression. Daniel, you've shed a wee bit of light on Plath's tragic life by exposing her silver solitude and the way she lived her life, always teetering on the edge of nimbus skies. Another terrible loss as to me, was the brilliance of Poe. In darkness they both dwelled, and I can't help but feel the loss was ours. Lady Lazurus and Edgar, the Entombed. A mix of free verse and rhyme...excellent. I found similar lines, but they're not Plath. Yours?

Lin Lane
Date: 2/16/2024 8:15:00 AM

You know I'm in awe of your creative verses. I'll send you soup mail in a bit.

Daniel Henry Rodgers
Date: 2/16/2024 8:01:00 AM

Dearest Lin, Yes, Poe is also one of my most favorite poets, and I believe their mental health struggles contributed to their brilliance as writers. This entire poem is my own work, but I integrated some of Plath's iconic phrases and references, such as "God's Lioness," "Daddy," "Black Shoe," "Yew Tree," "Beekeeper's Daughter," "Edge," and "Little Fugue." While she employed both free verse and rhyme in her poems, I focused more on capturing her essence through free verse in my work. Blessings, Daniel