I am stuffing your mouth with your promises and watching you vomit them out upon my face

I am stuffing your mouth with your promises and watching you vomit them out upon my face

Anne Sexton was a poet known for her raw and confessional style, delving into themes of mental illness, motherhood, and the struggles of being a woman in a patriarchal society. The quote “I am stuffing your mouth with your promises and watching you vomit them out upon my face” encapsulates the intense and often violent imagery that characterized much of Sexton’s work.

In this quote, Sexton seems to be addressing a lover or perhaps a figure of authority who has made empty promises. By “stuffing your mouth with your promises,” she is forcing this person to confront the lies they have told and the hurt they have caused. The act of “watching you vomit them out upon my face” suggests a sense of disgust and betrayal, as the person is forced to confront the consequences of their actions.

This quote can be interpreted as a metaphor for the ways in which people often make grand promises they cannot keep, only to disappoint and hurt those around them. Sexton’s use of violent and visceral imagery serves to highlight the emotional impact of broken promises and the sense of betrayal that can result.