I have an extremely deep love for this woman's writing. It truly has the power to make me feel inspired and validated. There is simply no one else quite like her.

However, it is incredibly difficult being a Sylvia Plath enjoyer when Sylvia Plath herself is rather questionable. For instance, right from the start of this book, she uses the damn f slur, and it's not even the first time. Like, come on girl!

You don't get a free pass just because it was the 1960s and you were a privileged white woman. We need to hold her accountable for her words and actions, even if her writing is otherwise brilliant. It's a complex and often uncomfortable situation, but one that we can't ignore.

Crossing the Water is a collection that, on the whole, has its merits.

While some of the poems within it didn't truly strike a chord with me, there were indeed several that I found great pleasure in.

The collection offers a diverse range of themes and styles, which is both its strength and perhaps a bit of a challenge.

Some of the poems are deeply emotional and thought-provoking, while others may seem a bit more abstract or less accessible.

However, this variety allows for different readers to find something that speaks to them.

Overall, Crossing the Water is a collection that is worth exploring, even if not every poem will be to everyone's taste.

It has the potential to offer unique insights and experiences, and it's interesting to see how the different poems interact and build upon each other.

Whether you're a seasoned poetry reader or new to the genre, Crossing the Water may have something to offer you.

Published posthumously in 1971 by her estranged husband, the poet Ted Hughes, Sylvia Plath’s Crossing the Water is a remarkable collection of poems. It showcases Plath in a state of transition and methodical exploration.

Most of the poems were penned in 1960 and 1961, following the initial publication of The Colossus and preceding the writing of the renowned Ariel poems. A significant number of these poems appeared individually in esteemed publications such as The New Yorker, Harper’s Magazine, and the Hudson Review.

Titled after the last poem in the collection, Crossing the Water symbolizes the literal act of doing so. Some poems are filled with risk and excitement, like being caught in an undertow, while others are as placid and expansive as a lake at dawn.

Plath’s most powerful poems center around the individual in relation to and at the mercy of the natural world. Elements like rocks, sheep, blackberries, trees, spiders, and the sea are all赋予生命. Their perception of the speaker is as crucial as the speaker’s perception of them. They pose a threat of erasure to her.

In “Two Campers in Cloud Country,” Plath vividly describes the all-encompassing and indifferent scenery of Rock Lake, Canada, as it consumes her sense of self. The poem expresses a paradoxical pleasure in the effacement of the self, yet also a growing anxiety as nature obliterates the ego.

Personification is a figure of speech that Plath employs perhaps even more frequently than the simile in this collection. Rocks hold grudges, daylight resembles disease, blackberries become the juicy eyes of a fly, and mirrors speak truthfully. In “Mirror,” the speaker is the object itself, and the poem展现出both tenderness and humor as it explores the relationship between the mirror and an aging woman.

However, the collection has its shortcomings. At times, when Plath deliberately experiments with form, as in “Metaphors,” the result can be clumsy. The poem’s disjointed images, held together solely by their linguistic properties, fail to achieve the intended ironic playfulness.

Nevertheless, after reading this collection, which was not arranged by Plath herself, one gains the impression that through these poems, she was in the process of finding her own poetic voice. There are glimpses of both the later genius of Ariel and the early timidity of The Colossus. Moreover, the collection highlights the often-ignored but uniquely important state of being in-between, with its strange contentedness, peculiar clarity of uncertainty, and the sense of being guided by the current from a safe, familiar shore to the exciting banks of the unknown.

I truly love Sylvia Plath! Her poems have an extraordinary power that strikes a fundamental chord within me.

She delves into topics that are profoundly important to both me and my sense of self. For instance, the ocean, which holds a special place in my heart, is described by her in a way that precisely brings out the essence of why it is so significant to me.

When I read her works, I can easily recognize my own feelings and emotions. It's as if she has put into words what I have always struggled to express.

I have a particular affinity for the first few poems in this collection. They seem to set the tone and draw me in, making me eager to explore the rest of her beautiful and thought-provoking poetry.

Plath's writing is a source of inspiration and connection for me, and I will continue to cherish and study her works for years to come.

This is my very first encounter with Sylvia Plath's work.

To my great surprise and delight, all of these poems are written with such exquisite beauty!

Among them, my absolute favorites include "Face Lift", "Dark Hose", "A Life", "Witch Burning", "Widow", "Love Letter", "The Surgeon at 2 A.M.", and of course, the remarkable "Crossing the Water".

Each poem seems to offer a unique window into Plath's complex and profound mind.

I find myself completely captivated by her vivid imagery, powerful emotions, and masterful use of language.

After reading these poems, I am now eagerly looking forward to delving deeper into her body of work.

"Crossing the Water" truly stands out as a near-perfect collection of poems, leaving a lasting impression on my heart and mind.

I can't wait to discover more of the literary treasures that Plath has to offer.

Quite possibly my favorite book of poems by Sylvia Plath - and that is saying something as she is one of my favorite poets. This particular book speaks to me deeply in so many ways. The poem "Insomniac" is so personal for me, and it is crafted so beautifully. The way Plath describes the sleepless night, the thoughts that race through her mind, it's as if she is writing about my own experiences. Each word is carefully chosen, each line is a work of art. The emotions she conveys are raw and真实, and they touch my heart. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry or who is looking for a way to express their own feelings. It is a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

She's one of the best to ever do it.

Her talent and dedication set her apart from the rest.

She has achieved remarkable feats in her field, leaving a lasting impact on those around her.

Her skills are honed to perfection, allowing her to perform with ease and grace.

Whether it's in the spotlight or behind the scenes, she always gives her all.

People look up to her as a role model, inspired by her determination and success.

She continues to push the boundaries and strive for excellence, never settling for mediocrity.

Her work is a testament to her passion and love for what she does.

In a world full of competition, she stands out as a true icon.

Her story is one that will be told and retold, inspiring generations to come.

She is truly one of a kind, and her legacy will live on forever.

Aaaaaaaaggggggghhhh!!!!!!!! Here are my favorites from this anthology:

1. "I Am Vertical" - This piece has a certain charm that draws me in. It seems to convey a sense of strength and stability in its simplicity. The title itself makes me imagine a person standing tall and firm, unwavering in the face of whatever comes their way.

2. "The Babysitters" - I'm intrigued by this one. It makes me wonder what kind of stories and experiences the babysitters have. Maybe there are heartwarming moments, or perhaps some unexpected challenges. I can't wait to explore this further.

3. "In Plaster" - The idea of being in plaster immediately brings to mind images of confinement and restriction. But I also sense that there might be a deeper meaning or message hidden within this piece. It makes me curious to see how the author will develop this concept.

4. "Mirror" - Mirrors are often used as a symbol of self-reflection and identity. I'm interested to see how the author uses this theme in their work. Will it be a positive or negative reflection? Will the mirror reveal something unexpected about the subject?

5. "Last Words" - This title has a certain finality to it. It makes me think about what someone might say in their last moments. Are these words of regret, or are they words of hope and love? I'm eager to find out.

I didn't understand a great deal of this. It could potentially be due to the fact that I struggle with poetry or perhaps because I was attempting to read this rapidly in order to fulfill my Goodreads challenge.

I have a fondness for Plath's other literary creations, yet this particular work was somewhat of a letdown for me.

Poetry often requires a more in-depth and thoughtful reading approach, and perhaps my hasty perusal didn't allow me to fully appreciate its nuances.

However, I still hold Plath in high regard for her other contributions to the literary world.

Maybe upon a second, more careful reading, I will be able to uncover the hidden gems and meanings within this piece that initially eluded me.

Nonetheless, for now, it remains a bit of a mystery and a disappointment in my exploration of Plath's works.

A paixão entre a luz e a escuridão é um tema fascinante.

“… O teu dia aproxima-se… as horas de escuridão… iluminam os céus… pouco mais sei… não existe nenhuma noite para nos afogarmos… as colinas penetram na brancura… de olhos secos… eu sou ninguém… no interior dos meus olhos… em breve repouso com medo… vivo aqui… as nuvens florescem… dão cor ao meu sono… o meu espírito é um rochedo, sem dedos para me segurar… o resto do corpo está sem cor… o espírito da escuridão está em nós… este é o silêncio das almas perturbadas… um alma sem corpo… ecos que partem… a única coisa que vem a seguir é o mar…”

This passage seems to describe a complex and intense emotional state. The contrast between the approaching day and the hours of darkness creates a sense of anticipation and mystery. The description of the hills penetrating the whiteness and the clouds blooming and giving color to the sleep adds a touch of beauty and dreaminess. However, the mention of the spirit being like a rock without fingers to hold on and the rest of the body being colorless brings a sense of emptiness and vulnerability. The presence of the spirit of darkness within us and the silence of the perturbed souls further deepen the mood of melancholy and unrest.

Espero que a Sylvia Plath me perdoe. I hope that Sylvia Plath can forgive me for using her words in this way. Her works are known for their profound exploration of the human psyche and the themes of life, death, and suffering. By using her words, I am trying to pay homage to her and draw inspiration from her powerful writing.

There's a vast amount of really good stuff here. It's quite remarkable.

Although I distinctly remember having a greater fondness for [specific work] in the past.

Nonetheless, I have this strong desire to reread all of her works eventually.

I believe that with each rereading, I might discover new nuances and appreciate her writing even more deeply.

Her body of work is like a treasure trove waiting to be explored again.

I'm looking forward to the opportunity to immerse myself in her words once more and see how my perception has changed over time.

It's going to be an exciting journey of rediscovery.

I'm sure that I'll find even more to love and admire in her writing.

This was truly magnificent and an extremely enjoyable piece of work.

I have read "In plaster" no less than six times, and I firmly believe that it is a masterpiece of perfection.

The way the author has crafted the story, the vivid descriptions, and the engaging plot all combine to create a truly unforgettable reading experience.

Each time I read it, I discover something new and gain a deeper appreciation for the author's talent.

I cannot recommend "In plaster" highly enough. It is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature.

Whether you are a seasoned bookworm or just starting to explore the world of reading, this book is sure to delight and inspire you.

So, don't hesitate any longer. Pick up a copy of "In plaster" today and prepare to be amazed.