I Do Not Like Sylvia Plath


I do not like Sylvia Plath.
I love her like the dying bird
that shatters against the glass,
wings frantic—then still.
I kneel where she falls,
cradle her in cupped hands,
watch breath slip from flesh and bone.

I do not like Sylvia Plath.
I love her in the way one loves
what cannot be undone,
a fire already ash,
a poem already bled.
Her words cut like winter air,
sharp and honest, too late to warm.

I do not like Sylvia Plath.
I love her,
and I hate Ted Hughes.
Hate the hands that held,
then let go.
Hate the footprints in the snow,
walking away from the wreckage,
leaving her there—
a bird in the cold,
a silence too heavy to lift.

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About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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