There is rust in my mouth, the stain of an old kiss

There is rust in my mouth, the stain of an old kiss

Anne Sexton was a poet known for her raw and confessional style, delving into themes of mental illness, motherhood, and the complexities of human relationships. In the line "There is rust in my mouth, the stain of an old kiss," Sexton captures the bittersweet nostalgia and pain of a past love that still lingers in the present.

The image of rust in the mouth evokes a sense of decay and corrosion, suggesting that the memory of this old kiss has not aged well. It is a stain that cannot be easily washed away, a reminder of a love that has turned sour over time. The rust in the mouth also implies a sense of contamination, as if the memory of this kiss has tainted the speaker's very being.

The phrase "the stain of an old kiss" further emphasizes the lasting impact of this past love. A kiss is often seen as a symbol of intimacy and connection, but in this case, it has left a mark that cannot be erased. The stain suggests a sense of permanence, a reminder that even as time passes, the memory of this kiss will continue to haunt the speaker.