I recently completed reading "The Bell Jar", and it had such a profound impact on me that I immediately felt compelled to explore Sylvia Plath's poetry. I find myself growing increasingly obsessed with her work and有一种强烈的感觉 that we would have been fast friends if we had met.

I must admit that when it comes to poetry, I'm not the most well-read. So, for many of the poems, I resorted to Googling an analysis and then re-reading it. For example, without the help of Google, I would have had no idea what "Metaphors" was about. But once I understood the meaning, I was truly amazed. It was brilliant, smart as hell, and incredibly fun to read.

Among her poems, my favorites include "Black Rook in Rainy Weather", "I Am Vertical", "Last Words", "Private Ground", "Blackberrying", "Two Campers in Cloud Country", "Crossing the Water", and "Insomniac".

Plath's poetry is truly unique and different from anything I've ever read before. It's as if each poem captures a specific moment in time and magnifies it under a microscope. She takes a simple drop of water and transforms it into a luxurious bath that you can soak in for the entire duration of the poem.

Moreover, she is incredibly witty. I don't know if everyone perceives her poems in the same way, but I found "In Plaster" (a poem about her leg cast) and "Mirror" to be really funny. I thoroughly enjoyed Plath's dry humor in "The Bell Jar", and it was definitely present in some of the poems in this collection as well.

I'm now excitedly looking forward to delving into "Ariel" and "Colossus".

The lines "It is more natural to me, lying down. Then the sky and I are in open conversation, And I shall be useful when I lie down finally: Then the trees may touch me for once, and the flowers have time for me." and "It is comfortable, for a change, to mean so little." really resonate with me and add to the allure of her poetry.

Crossing the Water by Sylvia Plath holds a significant position. It is the collection that lies between The Colossus and precedes the publication of Ariel. In this work, Plath continues to explore and push the boundaries between the realms of dark and light. She has become a symbol of the dichotomy that exists within all of us, where our intense passions and desires are in a state of tension with our responsibilities towards family and society.

In this collection, the concept of water serves as a powerful metaphor for the superficial veneer that many of us present. However, Plath delves deeper into examining how easily this surface can be disrupted and shaken.

Take, for example, the poem “Finisterre.” Plath writes, “Now it is only gloomy, a dump of rocks–/Leftover soldiers from old, messy wars./The sea cannons into their ear, but they don’t budge./Other rocks hide their grudges under the water.” (page 15) Here, she explores the process of aging and the grudges that are carried from the past into the present. These grudges, like the weathering of a rock face, sully the exterior. The poem then blossoms into a series of descriptions of people worshipping that which is beyond themselves. There is the larger “Lady of the Shipwrecked” who admires the sea, while the man worships her and the peasant worships the sailor.

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The last ones are absolute doozies. It's truly astonishing that I managed to forget some of these details.

Now, reading these after having the kids is an entirely different kind of experience. It's as if a new lens has been placed over my eyes, allowing me to see and understand things in a whole new light.

The memories that resurface while reading these are both precious and bittersweet. Some bring a smile to my face, while others tug at my heartstrings.

It makes me realize how much life has changed since those earlier times. The responsibilities of being a parent have added a new layer of depth and perspective to my understanding of these words.

Each sentence seems to hold a hidden meaning that I might not have grasped before. It's like uncovering a hidden treasure chest of emotions and experiences.

Overall, this new way of reading has been a revelation, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to revisit these memories with a fresh outlook.

Crossing the Water by Sylvia Plath is an exceptionally powerful and profoundly moving collection of poetry. It delves deep into the intricate web of human emotion and the multifaceted human experience. The book is a masterful exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the very essence of what it means to be human. It is bound to make a lasting and indelible impression on its readers.

The book is neatly divided into two sections. The first half predominantly focuses on the theme of love. The poems within this section are replete with a palpable sense of longing and yearning. Plath skillfully explores the numerous facets of love, highlighting its power to both uplift and, at times, destroy. Her words are raw, unfiltered, and brutally honest, directly striking a chord with the reader's heart.

The second half of the book is equally impactful as Plath turns her gaze towards the theme of loss. In these poems, she delves into the various ways in which loss can reverberate through our lives. From the heart-wrenching death of loved ones to the painful end of relationships, she captures the full gamut of human emotion. Her words are alternately heartbreaking and uplifting, painting a vivid picture of the complex emotions that accompany loss.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Crossing the Water is Plath's deft use of language. Her words are rich, evocative, and imbued with a vividness that brings her poems to life. She weaves words together to create powerful images and intense emotions that linger in the reader's mind long after the book has been put down. Her poems are not only beautiful but also deeply moving, capable of resonating with readers on a profound level.

Another factor that sets Crossing the Water apart is Plath's remarkable ability to explore the human condition in all its complexity. Her poems are not simply about love and loss; they also touch upon other crucial aspects of the human experience, such as hope, fear, and the eternal search for meaning. Her words are both universal, speaking to the shared experiences of all humanity, and deeply personal, offering a glimpse into her own inner world. This unique combination allows her to connect with readers on multiple levels.

Overall, Crossing the Water by Sylvia Plath is a tour de force of poetry. It is a powerful and deeply moving collection that is sure to leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of readers. Her words are both beautiful and evocative, and her exploration of the human condition is both profound and thought-provoking. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone with an interest in poetry or a desire to understand the human experience in all its glory and pain!

Not as good as Ariel, but still a wonderful, and painful, read.

Sylvia Plath's imagery is truly one-of-a-kind. Her poems possess a unique feel that I have been unable to discover anywhere else. They are both disturbing and beautiful, depressing and yet deeply impressive.

Her poetry has had a profound impact on me, inspiring me to write myself. Among this particular collection, my absolute favorite has to be "Who". It has a resonance within me that is truly remarkable. I find myself reading it again and again, each time uncovering new layers of meaning and emotion.

Plath's work is a testament to her extraordinary talent and the power of poetry to touch our souls and make us confront our deepest fears and desires.

Favourites include a diverse range of works. "Two Sisters of Persephone" might offer a unique exploration of mythology and sisterly bonds. "Mirror" could perhaps delve into themes of self-reflection and identity. "In Plaster" might present a vivid description of a particular state or situation. "I am Vertical" might convey a sense of uprightness and determination. "Finisterre" could evoke images of a distant and mysterious place. "Heavy Women" might touch on issues related to body image and femininity. "The Surgeon at 2 A.M." might tell a story of a medical professional in a tense and challenging situation. "Who" could pose thought-provoking questions about identity and self. "Crossing The Water" might描绘 a journey or transition. "Love Letter" could express the emotions and sentiments of love in a beautiful and poignant way.

3.5 stars

I just had a realization that this is the very first book of poetry that I have read from cover to cover. It's the first time I've ever shelved something under the category of "poetry". So, I must admit that I'm coming from a position of potential ignorance in this regard.

But here's the thing.

My first encounter with this collection was both haunting and confusing. As is often the case in a collection that encompasses a wide variety of works, not all poems are of equal quality. There are definitely enough gems here to excite and engage, but at the same time, not everything quite hits the mark.

Among my personal favorites were:

The titular poem "Crossing The Water". The lines A little light is filtering from the water flowers. Their leaves do not wish us to hurry: They are round and flat and full of dark advice. paint a vivid and mysterious picture.

"Face Lift" with the lines For five days I lie in secret, Tapped like a cask, the years draining into my pillow. Even my best friend thinks I'm in the country. which create a sense of mystery and hidden emotions.

The view from the window scene in "Parliament Hill Fields" described by On this bald hill the new year hones its edge. Faceless and pale as china The round sky goes on minding its business. gives a sense of the passage of time and the indifference of nature.

And "I Am Vertical" with It is more natural to me, lying down. Then the sky and I are in open conversation, And I shall be useful when I lie down finally: Then the trees may touch me for once, and the flowers have time for me. which expresses a unique perspective on life and death.

There are also other great poems like "Mirror" and "Insomniac".

This collection, for me at least, is filled with a lot of darkness and foreboding. There's a sense of blackness and a longing for movement in a world that sometimes seems static. The use of birds and violent colors adds to the overall atmosphere. We have the advantage of looking at these poems with the benefit of hindsight, but there's a weight to every line that Plath has written, a weight of struggle and sacrifice.

Overall, I enjoyed the collection. Some of it feels a bit dated, and some of it is a bit too inscrutable for my untrained poetic mind. But I have a feeling that with subsequent re-reads, more of its depths will be revealed to me.

This is the first Sylvia Plath's book that I have read, and I instantly fell in love with her beautiful phrases.

The "Zookeeper's Wife" is one of the best poems that I like the most. It展现了a vivid picture and touches my heart deeply.

After reading this poem, I decided to explore her other works. I am eager to discover more of her literary treasures and be immersed in her unique writing style.

Sylvia Plath's words have a magical power that can transport readers to another world, filled with emotions and imagination. I believe that her other works will also bring me great joy and inspiration.

I look forward to delving into her works and experiencing the beauty and depth of her writing.

I did not expect to see such a slur on the literal first page of this book

This book truly makes me wonder deeply.

Why on earth did no one attempt to prevent her from taking her own life?

It is a mystery that lingers in my mind.

Perhaps there were signs that were overlooked, or maybe people were too preoccupied with their own lives to notice the distress she was in.

Could it be that she kept her pain hidden so well that no one suspected the depth of her despair?

As I read through the pages, I find myself constantly asking these questions.

The thought of someone reaching such a desperate point and having no one there to intervene is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.

It makes me realize the importance of being more aware of the people around us and the struggles they may be facing.

Maybe if just one person had reached out and shown her some kindness and support, things could have been different.

This book has definitely left a lasting impression on me and has made me question many aspects of human nature and our ability to help those in need.

I have a profound love for Sylvia Plath, although it's not the kind of love that defines a lifetime. She was an incredibly intelligent and talented poet.

Among her works, I have a particular preference for "Insomniac," which I believe, like many others, might be the most anti-systematic poem she ever penned. It truly saddens me that she was unjustly labeled as utterly indecent. Her poetry is a treasure trove, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to all.

Edited to state that Sylvia Plath’s "Insomniac" is like the original "Fight Club." We've spent 60 years misdiagnosing Plath’s insomnia as mere personal anguish. But what if it was always a powerful manifesto against capitalism?

Some poems have the power to break open the capitalist cages that trap us. However, to truly recognize a poem as "woke" and understand its systemic rage, we must view it as timeless, not just relevant to a particular moment.

Sylvia Plath’s "Insomniac" (1961) serves as a litmus test. We've been conditioned to describe it as "psychologically tense" rather than revolutionary because capitalism has embedded itself so deeply in our consciousness that we mistake its violence for individual pathology.

Plath wrote this poem at the dawn of consumerism's victory, during the heyday of the "American Dream," yet she saw right through its facade. The "carbon paper sky," the "rows of brainwashed commuters," and the "pills as classical gods" are not just metaphors for depression. They are the blueprints of our alienation in a capitalist society.

Insomnia, as depicted by Plath, isn't a capitalist caricature; it's a vivid portrait. She declared war on capitalism decades before "Fight Club," yet men are often lauded as visionaries for simply reheating her initial revolt. The predictability of this plagiarism is disheartening: men are praised for mediocrity, while women are pathologized for their genius.

The order of this collection unfolds in a rather interesting manner.

There will initially be one or two forgettable poems that might not immediately catch one's attention.

However, following these, a true masterpiece will emerge, captivating the reader with its beauty and depth.

This pattern then repeats itself, creating a rhythm within the collection.

Take, for example, the poem "The Babysitters".

The lines "I see us floating there yet, inseparable — two cork dolls. What keyhole have we slipped through, what door has shut? The shadows of the grasses inched round like hands of a clock, And from our opposite continents we wave and call. Everything has happened."

These words paint a vivid picture, evoking a sense of mystery and longing.

The imagery of the cork dolls and the inching shadows adds a touch of magic to the poem, making it a standout piece within the collection.

Overall, this collection offers a diverse range of poems, with the forgettable ones serving as a contrast to the masterpieces that truly shine.