Words of Innocence and Experience

You know that silence is loud
When all you hear is your heart
And I wanted so badly just to be a part
Of something strong and true
But I was scared and left it all behind
–Michelle Branch “Here with Me”

One of the essays Professor Wu assigned us to read is one on Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnets from the Portuguese. Although she is a widely recognized poet, this sonnet sequence has long been overlooked because people are embarrassed by it–being overly personal. Also, it reverses the sexual roles in poetry.

It occurred to me that women were not supposed to talk in the past. Women should be silent, meek, and satisfied with their position as the objects of men’s love. When a woman states her love outrightly, people think that it should be kept in private.

I’d admit that I was not truly impressed with Ms. Barrett’s poetry until after reading the essay. What is outstanding is that Ms. Barrett breaks the convention of women’s silence and speaks of her love in various approaches, tones, metaphors, and literary allusions. Besides, her story was true. Emily Dickinson may be as talented as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, but the authenticity of her love(s) is/are debated.

As a female, I never thought that my love could not be spoken of. I mean, it is not that whenever I fall in love with someone, I should confess to him immediately. Rather, I thought it wouldn’t hurt if I write about the feelings. I wrote some lame poems back when I was a freshman, in the middle of an illusory crush, and there are bits of scattered pieces which can be found here on this site. The thought that it might embarrass people never came into my mind.

It doesn’t matter. The taboo has long been broken. I wish I could be as eloquent as Ms. Barrett is. However, perhaps words would not add any more charm to me. Not every woman writer/poet can meet a Robert Browning, after all.