by Kariza Montealegre
Last time, I wrote about a piece in line with Mental Health Day. Today, I’m sharing a poem on madness from a poet who suffered from bipolar disorder and depression, and eventually committed suicide—Sylvia Plath. It’s also the birth anniversary of this literary genius this month, so it seems like the perfect time to revisit one of her works.
Plath, who started writing poems at eight years old, was categorized as a confessional poet. Confessional poetry is the personal kind. Centered on the details of the writer’s psyche and experience, it touches on matters like mental illness and sexuality. Plath’s poem, “Mad Girl’s Love Song,” is an example. Written in her college years, it is first published in 1953 in the women’s magazine Mademoiselle where she worked as a guest editor. Take a peek at the young Plath’s mind, as you read her intriguing poem on love and loss.
Mad could be obsessed. Mad could be angry. Mad could be depressed. Mad could be interpreted differently by different people, but surely one can’t read this poem without feeling a spark of emotion after.
What’s your favorite Sylvia Plath poem? Share it with us in the comments section below.
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