Interview by Andrea Aguilar
Your poem “Thoughts Beneath My Pillow” uses visceral imagery to express a moment of violation and emotional detachment. Was there anything you didn’t add that could have changed the entire poem?
The only thing that comes to mind would be adding a line or two that insinuates non consensual filming. Though this change would still tie to themes of violation and emotional detachment, I feel that if added, would have enhanced the dark tone of the poem further.
The line “the flower of my innocence ripped open” has an intense emotion and is almost painful to read. Can you talk about why you chose to use that specific image? Was it difficult to write? Did you have some challenges that may have stumped you momentarily?
Ouuuuu I love this question! I chose to use this specific image because I felt that it encapsulated all the intense emotions I felt within that particular event in my life. Also, because flowers represent innocence and fragility. While some individuals can admire their beauty with gentleness, others can impulsively “rip” them from the ground and taint their beauty for their own selfish purposes. I’d say that one of the challenges I faced when writing this poem would be getting out of that unsettling headspace after tapping into the memory of that experience.
If the poem had an “after” scene, what would it look like? Would it be as dark and painful at first, or a completely different emotion? Would this add more to the poem, or would it ruin its initial meaning?
If the poem had an “after” scene, I feel that the tone of the poem would remain dark and potent with silence. It would be dark both externally & internally, so much so that one would have to almost gaslight themselves into seeing the “goodness” of that experience. That it’s almost a normal experience women go through. Along with this, the silence would be so intense that your ears would ring to drown out the stillness, as a coping mechanism to drown out the loud and heavy thoughts. I feel that an “after” scene with these elements, would amplify the themes of violation and emotional detachment. Thank you so much for the opportunity to showcase my poetry, it means the world.
Read Edmond’s poem “Thoughts Buried Beneath My Pillow” here.
Natalie Edmond is a student at LaGuardia Community College who majors in Creative Writing. Like a true INFP personality type, she is continuously drawn to and inspired by the arts and all things creative.
