At the Heels of a Comet

Jacob has posted his poem about Assia Wevill, the love rival of Sylvia Plath who was married to the poet Ted Hughes. We were having a conversation about her. Both women gassed themselves. My efforts:

I wouldn't have wanted 

to walk in Assia's shoes

in soles worn paper thin by guilt.

Her sad footsteps unheard,

insignificant in the ether of history

forever overshadowed. 

How could it have been otherwise?

Blinded by a comet's flare,

in awe of its brilliance.

How do you follow that?

Her eyes green with envy, flecked with Ted,

a copycat demise.

One designed for maximum impact,

destroying a child, condemning a poet

to an existence haunted by ghosts.

A suicide death,

extinguished her last breath,

suffocated by Sylvia's memories.

Reviews

[Sami Khalil]

A sad story filled with sad tragedies leading to the awful demise of two talented ladies. I wonder if he drove them insane, not being faithful is one of them. Might he had been abusive and so forth. Whatever the case, it is unfortunate. A worthy poem touching on this matter. Excellent dear Chris!

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Sami. A poetry history write. They are all gone now and I hope they RIP. This is an older write of mine out for an airing.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

All understandable. You are welcome 😊.

[Onlyme]

Wow, a sublime tribute indeed. Chris a tapestry so full of inspiration, heartfelt, beautiful, humbling piece of work.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dawn for your thoughts on this one. All good wishes

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

This more than an effort, this is powerful artwork. A very capitvating piece of poetry.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dale for your thoughts. I appreciate your visit. All good wishes.

Chris

[Crowley]

This one needs to be submitted immediately. Between the subject matter and so many awesome lines, the shoe line, the Ted line. wow Christine, this is amazing work. A truly inspired piece. Makes me proud to read you!!

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Crowley. Followed a discussion I had with Jacob about Sylvia. The whole love triangle was one of intrigue as well as tragedy. High praise from you. Thank you so much.

Chris

[kentuck14]

Chris,
A powerful and dramatic poem about the lives of those who walk on private land and vandalize what is there. Oh how we humans tend to brutalize ourselves with such untoward desire! This poem is filled with great images . . ."blinded by a comet's flare." Indeed, Sylvia was a 'comet!' I had never read about Hughes and Assia. Deceit sure does leave a trail of blood and tears.
Tom

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tom. The Sylvia, Assia and Ted triangle was one of intrigue I have to say. Sylvia was indeed a comet. Many thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are most welcome.

Chris

[barleygirl]

I've known about Sylvia & Ted, but (as Tom mentions) I was also unaware of this triangle. Not only did I love finding out more about this topic, I also admire your way of lovingly laying out the story in verse. The best part is the way you stimulated so many comrade poets to join in this conversation! I'm not up on poetry, but I've learned a lot from everyone's tidbits here (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Lydia Shutter]

This poem packs quite a punch, Christine. So in love with another that she took her life in the same way. But why take her child with her? What goes through a person's mind to do such a thing? Of course, there is no logic to be applied to an illogical act like suicide. Was she upset Sylvia's poetry overshadowed hers? I guess we will never know the truth. Well written, Christine. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Lydi**. Haven't seen you for a while. Hope all is OK. Yes, this love triangle was certainly one of intrigue which had very tragic consequences. Hard to understand why Assia chose to end her daughter's life. She was certainly in Sylvia's shadow.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

I've been away a lot...for good things. When I can, I read and write! :)

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased all is OK. Nice to go away :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Absolutely...nice to come home too though! :) Thanks for caring and noticing my absence.

[Chris Shaw]

You are welcome Lydi**

[CatCrazy0430]

This is an amazing poem. But Who is Silvia? This has been a recurring subject in many poems on this site, but who is she? what's her story?

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you CatCrazy. Google Sylvia Plath, famous American poet. Married to Ted Hughes, an English poet who had an affair with Assia Wevill. Tragic circumstances for both women. I appreciate your visit and your thoughts. Thank you for your visit.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

"a copycat demise" wonderful phrasing...and yes, living in that big shadow...stepping into those shoes, or after them...too much...but I am not sure I can forgive her for including their child...just never will understand that...a mother's love would prevent that...
this poem is so powerful...
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Jacob. Yes, I agree with you. That child should have lived. It is quite difficult to comprehend. She must have known that the loss of a child would destroy Ted. Was she going for the ultimate exit I wonder? Seems like revenge to me.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Excellent telling of the tale in a hard hitting, fast flowing verse Chris. The opening stanza is simply divine in its ability to suck the reader in. This compliments Jacobs work so very well.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks John for your review. Your comments most appreciated.

Chris

[AYVID N]

Hello Chris!
It’s delightful to see a poem by you on a story, a saga that has always intrigued me. I loved your rendition of it! Your words are an apt tribute to the great poetess and I could feel her aura, reading this poem. No ordinary woman could stand in her light, however beautiful. No wonder, her rival was doomed from the start. It was almost mystical then, how their fates were entwined. Thank you for this beautiful read today evening my friend! Your pen is awesome as always 💕

And such a brilliant title too. Just love it.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear DIVYA, a most fascinating triangle. I share your intrigue. Thank you so much for your thoughts. All good wishes winging their way across the pond.

Chris

[AYVID N]

You are most welcome Chris. And sending my best regards to you!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you :)