An Individual History: Poems

Exploring a complex tapestry of emotions, the narrative delves into fears, anger, and guilt that shape personal and collective identities. The speaker's maternal grandmother, institutionalized for fifty years, serves as a powerful metaphor, highlighting the intersections of familial and societal struggles. This bold work by a significant American poet invites readers to confront the haunting legacies of history and the impact of personal trauma on one's life.