Time ran out

"I just haven't felt to have any identity under the steamroller of decisions and responsibilities of this last half year, with the babies a constant demand....

"It is the starting from scratch that is so hard—this first year. And then if, I keep thinking, if only I could have some windfall, like doing a really successful novel, and buy this house, this ghastly vision of rent bleeding away year after year would vanish.... How I would like to be self-supporting on my writing! But I need time."

(from Letters Home by Sylvia Plath, edited by Aurelia Schober Plath, p. 495; letter written on Jan. 16, 1963--Plath killed herself on Feb. 11.)

-- Submitted by Beth Blevins

The poet as typist

"I am more happy than if it was my book published! I have worked so closely on these poems of Ted's and typed them so many countless times through revision after revision that I feel ecstatic about it all.

"I am so happy his book is accepted first. . . . I can rejoice, then, much more, knowing Ted is ahead of me."

(from Letters Home by Sylvia Plath, edited by Aurelia Schober Plath, p. 297; letter written on Feb. 24, 1957)

-- Submitted by Beth Blevins