I Can’t Read Ingrid Jonker Again Poem by Margaret Alice

I Can’t Read Ingrid Jonker Again

Rating: 4.5


I can’t read
Ingrid Jonker again
I’ve tried repeatedly
ended up crying each time
all the pain comes back
the pain she describes
of poverty and loneliness
and my own – of being alone
stranded in a hostile world
from which there is no escape
she escaped by walking into the sea
whereas I’m a Calvinist and carry the cross
of existence, emptying the cup to the dross
if only I could join the characters in my head
living a story of happiness
and words unsaid…

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Kinga Fabó 01 August 2016

You are a very brave poet, Margaret Alice! I respect you, just like Ingrid Jonker!

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Ray Quesada 17 October 2012

Ingrid Jonkers is often called the South Aftrican Sylvia Plath. Brilliant and intense in writing and in life - - sad that these beautiful people couldn't control the feelings of carrying the worlds sadness on their shoulders. being a poet is a gift and curse. only other true poets can relate. we see the world through our own as well as the eyes of thousands that live life sadly without ever picking up a pen. we write what is in the collective Heart of our particular generartion. a heavy burden for anyone. you write with passion, and with a serious desire to change the world in some small way. kudos

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Ronald Stroman 09 May 2007

yr poem was insightful. i've read some of my poems and sometimes i come to tears... 'cause i'm foolish enough to write a sequel, thinking i can improve. have a very poetic day.

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Margaret Alice

Margaret Alice

Pretoria - South Africa
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