You said the anger would come back
just as the love did.
I have a black look I do not
like. It is a mask I try on.
I migrate toward it and its frog
sits on my lips and defecates.
It is old. It is also a pauper.
I have tried to keep it on a diet.
I give it no unction.
There is a good look that I wear
like a blood clot. I have
sewn it over my left breast.
I have made a vocation of it.
Lust has taken plant in it
and I have placed you and your
child at its milk tip.
Oh the blackness is murderous
and the milk tip is brimming
and each machine is working
and I will kiss you when
I cut up one dozen new men
and you will die somewhat,
again and again.
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Comments2WOW, "AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN” BY ANNE SEXTON REALLY PULLS AT THE HEART STRINGS. THIS IS A VERY POWERFUL AND INTENSE POEM. IT'S SO REFRESHING TO READ SOMETHING WITH SUCH RAW EMOTIONS. SEXTON ALWAYS HAS A UNIQUE WAY WITH WORDS AND IMAGERY THAT STICKS WITH YOU LONG AFTER YOU'RE DONE READING. I'M GENUINELY MOVED BY THIS PIECE.
I feel the turmoil and struggle resonating deeply in this poem. The lines 'I have a black look I do not like. It is a mask I try on.' particularly stick in my mind. Disguising pain and anger behind a mask is something all too human that we've all experienced to an extent. This is a raw, intense piece that doesn't shy away from exploring the darker sides of emotion. The imagery is vivid and almost uncomfortable at times, yet undeniably realistic. This isn't an easy read, but it's certainly a compelling one.