Doubt is my mistress

I doubt I understand this, but I don't suppose that's such a bad thing. There's nothing malevolent about it. The woman in the black-and--white photograph is pretty. I'd guess from Sim's stories this is a family member. I'm not sure what one part of the poem is in 'quotation marks' and reaches out like an arm. . Felxistrasse 7 is German and I'd guess Berlin. But the time frame is skewed by the reference to 'crack whores', which doesn't match the picture, espcially since crack I guess was a 1970's largely black US phenomena. I could be wrong about all of this, of course. The beauty of poetry is there is no right answer, or sometimes no answer. I guess that's the answer. Rats' tails. 

Just wanted to drop a line, as I'm new on the site, and say that I really enjoyed reading your piece. I thought the fifth stanza in particular that described "Doubt" on Sunday was beautifully written. The image of Doubt, "unfurled / naked / on her tiny fold up bed / smoking a cigarillo / and distractedly sipping Chivas / from a green paper cup," was such a powerful image that I had to re-read it aloud a couple times. Powerful piece! Cheers!

I really really like this. It has a lot to say and does it really well. I like that Doubt weaves her lies into horses' tails but I'm not sure why she works in a Burger van on a Friday night. Everything else is just spot on.

Although I find this rather oblique,  I'm very envious of the way you use imagery.  I knew the photo was Plath - my favourite poet - whose style I always admired but couldn't, wouldn't ever be able to emulate.  Your poem is a bit Plath-esque (sorry, making up words now) - is that why she's there?  Please tell, I'm intrigued.  Come to think of it, that (for me) best describes your poem...intriguing.  Must go and look up 'ampromorphised'...and after that I will come back for another read.  That's how intrigued I am.

I don't really understand the confusion over this one. I think it's pretty plain as day as far as poetry goes. Maybe you are all trying to see more into it than is there. If you take it at face value it all makes pretty decent sense to me - and makes a very good point to boot.

I agree about the Bell Jar - interesting her face came to mind sufficiently for you to add her photo even though she wasn't an influence...

Sorry, getting in a bit deep here.  I'm strangely (or not) fascinated by this poem. It's certainly had an impact, and I'm drawn back to re-read (3 times now and counting...).

I thought the Plath picture was very apt, given all her own doubts and insecurities.  I think it's really interesting that people are getting various things from it - it seems to be striking lots of different chords, which is a tribute to the writing.  Like seashore I've read it through a few times now.  Perhaps writers are particularly prone to identifying with doubt!

I'm sure that's right - we worry and fret over things. We sweat over our self esteem - and it's because we dare to put it our there and have others judge us. If only a few more generals and politicians had such fears!

Your writing jumps from the page and teases and taunts with devilish glee. You are a master of your art, lavadis, so don't worry about Doubt - you've just given her a fatal thrashing.

The images are so clear and femininely demonic, full of hidden threat and self accusation, like he'd be a better person if he didn't harbour such a devious mistress. But that she's there for him in all those quaintly infuriating poses and guises is almost comical, would be, if not so very recognizable a feeling or all of us - especially me. What a beauty of a poem this is! I hope you continue with it, and get it published. Don't let self doubt stand in your way. 

Oh...Lavadis     I have been there...in the dark, claustrophobic space with doubt overwhelming all perception, breathless, filling the air thick with stagnant toxic smoke, victim of this unsummoned visceral, intimacy. No lover but demon to me. 

   Thank you for this brilliant description of a most denied, uncomfortable, sometimes blindingly unbearable but human reality......................Bravo !!!!!

         Good to read you again...your poetry is exquisitely moving and inspirational

as it has always been for me ...........................MarciaMarcia

All I want to say is that this is a poem I shall read and read again. Each time I do something new will jump out at me.  The mark of a truly great piece of writing.  Thank you for writing it.

What more can I say except I am envious of your talent.

Hello Lavadis. I really enjoyed this. I love it when the intangible is made tangible. eg abstract words turned into people as they are here. Great.