Born Anne Gray Harvey (Newton (Massachusetts), 9 November 1928 – Weston (Massachusetts), 4 October 1974).
American poet. In 1967, she won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry.
Anne Sexton. Photo: owlcation.com
This November there seems to be nothing to say.
Photo by Sandra Meeroman
I know that I have died before—once in November.
Photo by proartspb
I would like to think that no one would die anymore if we all believed in daisies but worms know better, don’t they?
Photo by Kristine Cinate
It is June. I am tired of being brave.
Photo by Sammie Chaffin
Do not rely on February. The sun in this month begets a headache like an angel slapping you in the face.
Photo: Phil Koch. Meaning 📌 🧠:February as a ‘deceptive’ month: February sometimes brings spring light (sun), but it is often still the height of winter. This contrast can feel like false hope. A sun that hurts instead of comforting: the image suggests that something normally positive (sun/angel) here turns aggressive and painful. “Angel” as irony: an angel represents something gentle or wholesome, but here that figure becomes a source of violence—a typical way to express emotional ambivalence (comfort ↔ pain). 🔍 Origin & Author: This quote is very often attributed to Anne Sexton, usually without: the title of the poem/book, page number, year of publication, or a reliable primary source reference. Which (as far as can be verified) is problematic. In common, officially published Sexton corpora (such as The Complete Poems, large anthologies, and frequently consulted volumes), this sentence is not consistently cited with a clear source. Therefore, in practice, it is considered unconfirmed/dubiously attributed: it could be Sexton, but the attribution is weak without a solid source. In short: Anne Sexton as the author is possible, but not solidly proven based on how the quotation is typically reported.
During the rainstorms of April, the oyster rises from the sea and opens its shell, rain enters it. When it sinks, the raindrops become pearls.
Image: Peter van Geest AI. Meaning 🌟 : The saying can be interpreted in several ways: Transformation: It suggests that something beautiful and valuable can emerge even from seemingly mundane or insignificant experiences, just as raindrops turn into pearls. Perseverance: It reminds us that, just like the oyster opening to the rain, we must open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities, even if they seem insignificant at first glance. Connection with nature: It emphasizes the connection between humans and nature, with the oyster and the rain serving as metaphors for our own experiences and transformations. 📜 Origin: The exact origin of the saying is unknown. It is often attributed to Anne Sexton, but it is possible that she based it on an existing legend or folk tale. The idea of raindrops turning into pearls is a recurring motif in various cultures and mythologies. ✍️ Author: The full quote, “During the rainstorms of April the oyster rises from the sea and opens its shell — rain enters it — when it sinks the raindrops become the pearl. So take a picnic, open your body, and give birth to pearls,” is from “The Complete Poems” by Anne Sexton (1928-1974). She was an American confessional poet, known for her intensely personal and often metaphorically rich poetry. She was a contemporary and friend of Sylvia Plath.
Door Pieter
Mensenmens, zoon, echtgenoot, vader, opa.
Spiritueel, echter niet religieus.
Ik hou van golf, wandelen, lezen en de natuur in veel opzichten.
Onderzoeker, nieuwsgierig, geen fan van de mainstream media (MSM).
